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Beyond Words:An Educator's Guide to Teaching English to the French-language Learner

Practices, Approaches and Strategies to Meet the Needs of English Learners

Strategy 5 - Using Technology to Support English Learners

Technology can be a powerful tool to help English learners understand, communicate, and build confidence. The key is to choose tools that are easy to use and meaningful for your students.

Assistive Technology

Use tools that help students understand or express ideas in English. 

  • Translation tools (like Google Translate) help students check or learn new words. 
  • Text-to-speech tools read words out loud to help with reading and pronunciation. 
  • Speech-to-text tools help students speak instead of writing, which is useful for those who are still learning how to spell. 
  • Multimedia resources (videos, audio books, picture dictionaries) support listening and understanding through visuals and sound.   

Example:  A student writes a sentence in their first language, translates it to English using an app, and then uses a text-to-speech tool to hear it read aloud.

Interactive Learning Platforms

These platforms let students learn at their own pace and get instant feedback. 

  • Use websites or apps that include games, videos, or speaking activities. 
  • Choose platforms with visuals, simple instructions, and engaging content. 
  • Let students choose activities that match their language level and interests.   

Examples of tools: 

  • Raz-Kids – levelled reading with audio 
  • Duolingo – vocabulary and sentence practice 
  • Epic! – free reading platform with thousands of books 
  • Quizlet – interactive flashcards with images and sound 
  • Flip – allows students to record short video responses