Presenter
Marie Rohrbacher
Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Description
This study presents the results of research that was conducted to investigate the educational technology needs for English language learners (ELLs) in an urban Western Massachusetts public K-8 school. The data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, a survey of technology use and inventory, ELA standards review on the topic, and a needs and environmental analysis based on the Nation and Macalister (2010) curriculum design framework. Data analysis revealed the challenge of implementing existing technology within an educational institution and highlighted a need for employing sound pedagogical practices that would allow both teachers and learners to capitalize on the potentials of currently available technologies, as well as to plan for future technology needs. The analyses provided in this study can help to address specific teaching and learning goals when it comes to educating ELLs through optimal classroom technology use.