Welcome to my first ‘research response’ post for GEN 2108. While searching through twitter using the hashtag #edtechchat, I discovered an article from edtechmagazine.com. The article was written by Joe Marquez and is called “How Technology Supports English Learners in K-12 Schools”.

This article intrigued me because as a future educator, I want to learn how to support the different types of students that I may encounter in my classroom. From the article, I learned about two different technologies that help English Language Learners.

1. Microsoft Translator

• Prior to reading this article, I had never heard of Microsoft Translator. After reading the article, I feel that Microsoft Translator would be an excellent addition to my future classroom.
• Microsoft Translator is an application that provides live captions and translations during live class time. This can assist English Language Learners in elaborating and developing both their oral and written language skills.

• Microsoft Translator has features such as PowerPoint add-in and a conversion feature. The PowerPoint add-in translates teachers lessons in over 60 different languages. The conversation feature translates conversations across devices, which is especially helpful for parent-teacher conferences in which the parent speaks a language different than what the teacher knows.

• This particularly intrigued me because I want to be able to have communication with all of my student’s parents.

2. Flipgrid

• The only technology I was aware of from this article was Flipgrid. I had just learned how great of an online learning tool Flipgrid is because of the class I am currently enrolled in, Web Tools for Global Learning.
• Flipgrid is a great application where you can post videos and classmates can reply with their own videos.
• Flipgrid can help English Language Learners by allowing them to practice both their speaking and listening skills.

Do you think Microsoft Translator and Flipgrid can support English Language Learners in the classroom?

In my opinion, both Microsoft Translator and Flipgrid can successfully empower English Language Learners. Both resources allow the student to emerge themselves within the English Language both inside and outside of the classroom.

Thank you for reading my first blog post. I look forward to posting more soon! Feel free to follow my educational Twitter @cooper_jenna1 .