At Little Mountain Learning Academy, the term, “technology integration” means combining the best of new technologies and traditional learning methods in an enriched ESL learning environment.
Like all things new and unfamiliar, technology integration has been met with some hesitation by some schools and instructors. Parents and teachers might associate technology with distraction – like when kids play video games instead of doing their homework – rather than as a helpful new tool for ESL education.
But, when used effectively in a supportive educational environment, technology can help children engage with class material, boost literacy, and encourage independent learning – both inside and outside the classroom.
Read on to find out how Little Mountain integrates the latest tools and approaches to classroom technology, and how our method helps students build enriched English skills.
Technology Increases Student Engagement and English Language Learning
Technology is fun, fast-paced, and fascinating for young growing minds. ESL teachers know that bringing out a “screen” is a guaranteed way to get a classroom’s attention.
When used correctly, technology in an ESL classroom can get students interested in even the most challenging lessons. It appeals to them in an electric and immediate way – sparking interest in learning through games, stories, music, and other interactive media. This encourages increased focus, and a desire to practise new skills – major keys to an ESL student’s academic success, at any age.
Technology Promotes Independent Learning
With the right digital programs and effective teacher support, students taking English courses will excel individually at their own pace. They can explore topics that they feel passionate about, setting and achieving personal goals and developing their problem-solving skills.
Rather than waiting for the whole class to “catch-up” on a particular concept, students can jump ahead or step back and review as needed. Dynamic learning games can determine where you child is struggling and provide additional practise – or if they’ve mastered a particular concept, offer new challenges to encourage further growth.
Technology in an ESL Classroom Boosts Literacy and Digital Efficiency
ESL learning apps feature more storytelling than traditional rote learning and memorization. And, storytelling is one of the best ways for students to retain knowledge and become better, faster English readers.
For example, Little Mountain’s SMRT learning platform is a digital tool that helps ESL students improve their grammar, fluency, and related language skills through fun and enriching exercises.
Implementing cutting-edge digital resources like SMRT is a big part of what makes us a leading after-school academic program in Vancouver.
Technology Encourages ESL Education Outside of the Classroom
Parents seeking out English programs for kids in Vancouver are often focused on finding an ESL program that encourages continued English practise outside of the classroom. They don’t want learning to stop as soon as their child has left the after school English program.
Technology helps bridge the gap by offering students easy ways to “plug in” from home or while on the go, with a range of learning games and applications that inspire continuous English language development – and make it an integrated part of everyday life. And as we know, immersion in a new language and regular practise are the keys to improved fluency and overall success!
Ready to try out some of the latest technology-based ESL tools? Check out our list of the best apps for English language learning!
How Effective ESL Education Can Inspire Lifelong Learning