Considerations for ELL students become abundant when there is technology available.  Below you can find a few suggestions for how to differentiate for English language learners in the classroom using accessible technology:

Make vocabulary exercises more fun

Students can engage in computer-based vocabulary exercises and quizzes that capitalize on visuals and interactivity.  Even the quizzes might seem fun to some students

Links:

• FunBrain-- http://www.funbrain.com/words.html
• Many Things: Interesting things for ESL Learners -- http://www.manythings.org/
• The Problem Site-- http://www.theproblemsite.com/word_games.asp
• Vocabulary.co-- http://www.vocabulary.co.il
• Vocabulary for Learners of English -- http://esl.fis.edu/vocab/index.htm

Create (or borrow) scaffolded reading passages for your students 

With our current technology we can create web pages that act as a scaffolded reading project our learners.  Having links to visual representations and supplemental resources make it easier for learners to make connections and understand vocabulary.

Links:

"What is a scaffolded reading project?"-- http://www.onlinereadingresources.com/sre/SRECha_2.pdf

Here is a link to a scaffolded reading site made by a co-consipirator of this wiki-http://rmorton5.wix.com/annefrank#!home/mainPage

Utilize a translator for novice ELL students

I am not talking about hiring an in-class translator...  Google has a translator feature that you can use on any computer that has access to the Internet.  You can also download a smaller version on any smart phone.  These "small" things can make a world of difference when dealing with struggling ELL learners.  You don't have to translate the entire assignment, it could be just a clarification of directions or a small word of encouragement.

Links:

• Babylon Online Translator -- http://translation.babylon.com/
• Bing Translator -- http://www.bing.com/translator
• GoogleTranslate-- http://translate.google.com
• Promt Translator -- http://www.online-translator.com/
• World Lingo-- http://worldlingo.com/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html

Other Helpful Links and Resources

• BrainPOP--  This is an animated site meant for English language students.  Additionally, there are games, movies and other activities to support ELL enrichment.
• English Language Learners and Technology - Information and best practices for utilizing technology with ELL students. 
• www.word2word.com- Online dictionaires in a student's native language(s). Can be used to build background knowledge and vocabulary.

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