What are the best technology tools for differentiating instruction for English language learners?

1 Reading tools

Reading is an essential skill for ELLs to access academic content and expand their vocabulary. Technology tools can differentiate reading instruction by providing different levels of text complexity, scaffolding strategies, and interactive features. For instance, Newsela is a website that provides articles on various topics and subjects, adapted to different reading levels. You can also use Read&Write, a Chrome extension that offers text-to-speech, dictionary, annotation, and translation features to customize the reading experience for your ELLs. Epic! is an app with a digital library of books, audiobooks, and videos for children of all ages and reading levels. It allows you to create personalized collections for your ELLs based on their preferences and needs, and monitor their reading activity and growth.

2 Writing tools

Writing is a difficult skill for ELLs to express their ideas and demonstrate their learning. Technology tools can be used to differentiate writing instruction by providing feedback, guidance, and support for the writing process. For example, Google Docs is an online word processor that allows collaboration on writing assignments, with add-ons such as Voice Typing and Translate. Grammarly is a tool that helps improve writing accuracy and fluency by checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice. Storybird is a website that encourages creativity and motivation in writing by providing visual prompts and templates for different genres and formats. These tools can be used to help ELLs write stories, poems, comics, and more, while also learning from mistakes and sharing their work with peers and teachers.

3 Listening tools

Listening is an essential skill for ELLs to grasp verbal input and establish listening comprehension strategies. Technology tools can differentiate listening instruction by providing different audio sources, interactive activities, and listening support. For example, Listenwise offers podcasts and lessons related to curriculum standards that can help ELLs strengthen their listening skills, vocabulary, and background knowledge. Additionally, ELLo provides audio and video clips of native and non-native English speakers discussing a variety of topics and situations. This can be used to practice listening skills, learn about different accents and cultures, and assess comprehension with quizzes and activities. Finally, FluentU offers authentic videos from YouTube, Netflix, TED, etc., with interactive captions, transcripts, and quizzes. This can help ELLs listen to real-world English, learn new words and phrases, as well as gauge their comprehension and progress.

4 Speaking tools

Speaking is an essential skill for ELLs to communicate effectively and confidently in English, and technology tools can be used to differentiate speaking instruction. For example, Flipgrid is a website that allows you to create video discussion topics and prompts for your ELLs, so they can practice their speaking skills, express their opinions and ideas, and interact with their classmates and teachers. VoiceThread is another website that allows you to create multimedia presentations and slideshows with images, videos, text, and audio. This can be used to help ELLs practice their speaking skills, present their projects and work, and comment on other's presentations. Lastly, Duolingo is an app that helps learners practice and improve their language skills, including speaking. It provides personalized and adaptive lessons, games, and exercises that can help ELLs practice their speaking skills, learn new vocabulary and grammar, and track their progress and achievements.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?