Using technology in the classroom

Primary ESL classes around the world vary widely in terms of their access to technology. Some classrooms are very basic, with just a blackboard or whiteboard. Others have super-fast Wi-Fi and interactive whiteboards together with high quality projectors and surround sound. If your students have access to this kind of advanced technology, they are very likely to respond positively to the opportunity to use it.

For students with their own laptops, tablets or smartphones, there is an ever-increasing range of apps to download. Many of these, such as ‘Quizlet’ for example, can be used very successfully with young learners. Quizlet allows teachers to create their own sets of flashcards, with each flashcard including the word and a picture as well as an audio recording. Students can then revise the vocabulary by participating in a variety of different game-like activities. Quizlet can also be used as a whole class activity, with teams competing against each other.

There is no doubt that ‘digital natives’ are enthusiastic and engaged in what they are learning when they have the chance to use technology. However, some research shows that students’ performance in the classroom deteriorates when they have access to technology, as it can be a major source of distraction. Many teachers agree that there is a role for technology in the classroom, but only when it is used to enhance rather than replace traditional styles of learning. As one first grade teacher put it, “Yes, kids love technology, but they also love Lego, scented markers, handstands, books, and mud puddles. It’s all about balance.”