Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/using-educational-technology-with-english-learners
As an early career teacher, navigating the complexities of engaging English learners (ELs) in the classroom can be daunting. Fortunately, Coursera offers a transformative course titled ‘Using Educational Technology with English Learners’ that equips educators with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices.
**Course Overview**
This course is meticulously designed to help teachers evaluate and incorporate technology in ways that not only engage students but also support ELs in achieving grade-level standards. The course emphasizes the development of essential 21st-century skills such as citizenship, collaboration, creativity, communication, character, and critical thinking.
**Module Breakdown**
The course is structured into four comprehensive modules, each focusing on different aspects of educational technology and its application in the classroom.
1. **21st Century Skills and Facilitating with Technology**
The first module lays the groundwork by discussing digital literacy and the historical context of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). It encourages teachers to reflect on their comfort levels with technology and prepares them for the practical applications to come.
2. **Technology for Collaboration and Culture/Citizenship**
In the second module, the focus shifts to collaboration and citizenship. Here, participants are introduced to practical activities that foster these skills among ELs. The insights from experienced educators on assessing collaborative projects are particularly valuable, as they provide real-world applications of the concepts discussed.
3. **Technology for Design/Creativity and Communication**
The third module emphasizes creativity and communication. Participants learn about accessibility guidelines and how to assess creativity using technology. The blend of expert insights and practical activities makes this module particularly engaging.
4. **Technology for Character Education/Connectivity and Critical Thinking**
The final module tackles character education and critical thinking. It introduces copyright law and open-source media, which are crucial for responsible technology use in the classroom. The evaluation rubrics provided help teachers assess the technology they choose to implement.
**Recommendation**
Overall, ‘Using Educational Technology with English Learners’ is an invaluable resource for early career teachers. It not only enhances your understanding of educational technology but also provides practical strategies to engage ELs effectively. The course is well-structured, informative, and filled with actionable insights that can be directly applied in the classroom. I highly recommend this course to any educator looking to enrich their teaching practice and support their students in developing essential 21st-century skills.
Whether you’re just starting your teaching journey or looking to refine your skills, this course is a must-take. Embrace the opportunity to transform your classroom into a dynamic learning environment that empowers all students, especially English learners.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/using-educational-technology-with-english-learners