International Learners

Also on the discussion board this week was a topic about making online communities accessible for international communities. The biggest part that stood out to me when I first thought about it was the language barrier.

Elementary school teachers are often the first ones that a student who doesn't speak English is exposed to, when coming to a primarily English-speaking school. As a teacher, knowing that there is this huge barrier between you and your student can be a daunting feeling. 

However, the technology these days that allows for us to communicate with one another is amazing. Translators and programs that allow for students to learn in their first language are so helpful. I think that these have allowed for us to design more learning towards students who speak a language other than English. 

Upon doing some further investigation of the topic, I came across this article. It discusses how computer technology is helping students, who don't speak English, take tests. It first discusses the common tools that teachers use, like dual language tests, dictionaries, read-aloud directions, questions, and answers, and native language versions of the tests. 

It then goes on to discuss how computers are helping ELL students take tests. Utilizing this technology could help us when creating spaces online for international communities. 

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