Article 10

Moore, S., & Center for Adult English Language, A. (2009). Uses of Technology in the Instruction of Adult English Language Learners. CAELA Network Brief. Center for Adult English Language Acquisition, Retrieved from ERIC database.

Uses of Technology in the Instruction of Adult English Language Learners

Summary:
Sarah Moore, in her article titled “Uses of Technology in the Instruction of Adult English Language Learners,” discusses the advantages to utilizing technology in Adult ESL courses. Moore (2009) claims that in the 2006/2007 academic year 46% of adults enrolled in publically funded education programs in the United States were attending ESL programs (p.1). According to Moore (2009) what ESL students need in order to succeed is time (p. 1). She goes on to write that adult ESL students receive instruction less than 2 hours each week. Moore (2009) proposes that integrating technology in instruction for adult ESL learners will enhance their language learning (p.1). She also writes that by incorporating technology into adult ESL we will be able to shorten the divide between people who know how to use technology and English language learners who typically do not. Moore (2009) proposes three different ways that technology could be incorporated into Adult ESL courses and suggests programs that could be utilized (p. 1). Onsite uses of technology could consist of using computer programs in addition to classroom instruction. Moore (2009) suggests The New Oxford Picture Dictionary CD-ROM, Rosetta Stone, and the English Language Learning and Instruction System (p. 1). Moore (2009) goes on to explain blended uses of technology in which technology such as project –based web learning, webquests, and web-based games are used both inside and outside of the classroom (p. 2). Lastly, Moore (2009) suggests utilizing online learning which is entirely internet based and it used by the students independently (p. 3). Moore (2009) suggests English for All, USA Learns, and Learner Web (p.3). Some considerations discussed by Moore (2009) include incorporating meaningful group work, adapting curriculum to support learning goals and making sure students have access to the appropriate technology (p.3).

Response:
I agree with the author that incorporating technology into adult ESL courses would be extremely beneficial. I also appreciate her considerations of needed to provide opportunities for meaningful communication and group work, needing to meet learning goals and making sure that students have access to appropriate technology. I also agree with the author in that what students need most is time to use the language. By incorporating technology in ESL courses that could be used independently outside of the classroom we would be able to increase the amount of time that students were using the language. The more that learners use the target language and use it to communicate in a meaningful way the faster they will acquire that language. The biggest variable is time. If we increase the time of instruction the students will have a better change of learning and being able to use the language. One thing that I think is very necessary is providing the students with instruction for how to use various programs. If students are not able to effectively use the computer programs they will not be able to meet the goals. I think a blended approach to utilizing technology would be best.