EdTech: Overcoming language barriers
A fundamental requirement for effective learning is to understand and be understood.
Inadequate language skills are a barrier at each stage of the learning journey.
This module looks at the ways technology can transform the learning experience and outcomes for ESOL learners and those who have difficulty with language, for example, learners with hearing loss.
Aim
This module shows you how to use digital technology to overcome language barriers.
Objective
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Deploy digital media and software creatively to overcome language barriers for learners
- Intervene to improve the learning outcomes for those for whom English is not a mother tongue or who have other difficulties with language
Digital Teaching Professional Framework
This module covers the EdTech component - F2 : Equality and diversity
- Address the special needs of individual learners (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, overachievers) using digital technologies
- Allow for different learning pathways, levels and speeds when designing, selecting and implementing digital learning activities.
- Devise individual learning plans and use digital technologies to support these.
- Adapt communication strategies to the specific audience and be aware of cultural and generational diversity in digital environments
This module inspired the following reflection
You may also be interested in
Technology, personalisation and effective learning
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 4.1 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Cultural preferences in learning
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 3.7 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Personalised learning pathways in practice
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 3.7 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Resolving intermittent and disrupted attendance
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 3.5 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Adapting content to your audience
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Leading.
- Average rating
- 3.9 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
The nine protected characteristics
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Exploring.
- Average rating
- 3.9 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Personalised learning pathways
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Exploring.
- Average rating
- 3.9 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
The limitations of personalised learning
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Leading.
- Average rating
- 3.8 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Accommodating different levels of digital skills
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Dealing with Difference and Diversity.
- Level
- Exploring.
- Average rating
- 3.6 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
E-portfolios for PLD (Part 2)
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- PLD: Using Technology.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 3.5 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Supporting and evidencing learning using digital media
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Tools for digital learning.
- Level
- Exploring.
- Average rating
- 3.8 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
How to improve feedback using audio and video
- Framework
- EdTech.
- Category
- Digital Assessment.
- Level
- Adopting.
- Average rating
- 3.8 out of 5.
- Bookmarks
- This module is not in your bookmarks.
Feedback about this module
Average feedback ratings
Taking note of your feedback
We greatly appreciate the time taken to provide us with feedback on each module. We regularly review all the feedback provided and use it to inform the development of new modules. Subject to funds being available and other constraints, we will amend existing modules where feedback shows this is required.Feedback from other members about this module
Building confidence for the EAL learners to use and understand new vocabulary in small chunks.
well presented course
Great to identify barriers and look at techniques to remove them.
This unit has made me think more about ESOL and how to support these learners.
Good informative session
Helped me to think about new ways of supporting EAL learners and makes me consider how I currently teach as my experience is developing through working with them in Maths where they need to inetrpret words and understand the context of worded questions.
Great information especially with being exposed to different translation tools.
Important practice.
I think the use of technology in the early stages of meeting an ESOL student is a very good idea.
Some useful resource links
Very useful to see language barriers as problems that can be improved with technology. A very inclusive approach to diversity.
Great list of resources to support ESOL learning. Interesting intro to issues speakers of other languages have to overcome in order to understand lessons.
Provides some good examples of recourses for ESOL students
need to be wary of using online translators to translate whole documents such as course information or worksheets as they will contain many inaccuracies which could confuse learners further
Good suggestions.
Good
A valuable reminder of how small things(use online dictionary, translators, voice recording, you tube videos etc) can add up to an immense outcome.
Some of the Q&A activities I disagreed with your answers as some could belong on both categories, so the assessment material was slightly unclear.
I think that it is valuable that this module highlighted that solutions must be a mixture of pedagogy and technology. It also provided a range of practical solutions that teachers might use to allow learners to work with translation apps and home technology to practice and improve their English.
Good session on language barriers
Thought provoking and made me think deeply about my own lessons
I like the way language barriers and accessibility issues have been merged together in this. I think it's also worth looking at tools like text to speech as well since many ESOL students have better understanding of aural English than written English - especially if they're from a language background that doesn't use Latin based left to write alphabets!
Some useful ideas as work with a hearing impaired student.
Login or signup to earn this badge!
Digital technology can provide new ways to help enable inclusive approaches to difference and diversity. This badge recognises that you are adopting new digital approaches.
Further resources from other sites
Apple iTranslator for instant voice translation on apple mobile devices.
Apple widget translator for use on laptops.
DuoLingo are free to use short language course including the use of...
An example of free websites that provides passages of famous English...
Google translate offers a language translation 'ready reckoner' for over...
Librivox is a library of free to use audio books for listening.
Microsoft translator tool for computers and mobile devices.
Over 400 images that are copyright free to use that can be used to...
A beginners guide to voice-activated assistants.
Use repetition and recall of vocabulary using virtual flashcards that...
A TED talk for teachers on ideas how to learn languages from polyglot...
A free dictionary in 15 languages including English.
A Phrontistery A dictionary of words with the same ending.
A potted history of the sources of the English language from the Open...
YouTube presentation on Google translate conversations using a smartphone.
