Friday, October 21, 2016
Text Messages to Teach English
The article I am writing about this week is about adult ESL education. A pilot program in New York is using text messaging and phone calls to check understanding with adult students in an ESL program. It works in this manner: lessons are pre-recorded and whenever the students want to listen to the lesson, they call the number provided. The students are then asked questions that they answer via text message. If they get the questions correct, they move onto the next unit. If they get the question wrong, the instructor calls them personally, and explains what the student is not understanding. The program is free, except what is charged by minutes and text messages. The purpose is for students to go at their own speed, and for it to be low tech so anybody can access it regardless of their income or technology ability.
Initially, 300 people signed up for the pilot program in three different parts of NY state. The state said it has gone over so well because there is a very high demand for adult English language programs. They also said it is nice to have it offered through phones and not in a classroom setting so parents don't have to find childcare. By the end of the lessons, all lessons are in English and students are able to navigate in primarily all English.
I think this program is a wonderful opportunity for working parents who are trying to learn English and better themselves. I also think it is wonderful that NY is offering this program for free for so many people who need it, since it is in such high demand. Some people may really need this program over phone calls and text messages, and may be thankful that it is done in this manner. I think offering it also in an online format would also be helpful too, for students who have the capability. Overall, I think it is a great program.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-york-state-offers-english-lessons-via-text-and-phone-calls_us_565c6d48e4b072e9d1c2663e
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That is a great idea. I don't think I know too many people who do not text. Encouraging students to use something that they enjoy doing truly makes the person appreciate what they are doing and makes the whole learning process meaningful. Just like in our course, we are discovering different ways to engage ESL students with technology that they enjoy to help them learn a new language. Thanks for sharing this cool article.
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool! I love the idea of students being able to stay home and access the content at their own pace. The fact that students can also receive calls from an instructor if they are struggling really makes this. The one problem I see though is that students might not get enough speaking practice. If they have good listening and reading/writing skills, they can really fly through the content, but they won't have a lot of chance to practice conversation because most of their responses will be using texts.
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool! I love the idea of students being able to stay home and access the content at their own pace. The fact that students can also receive calls from an instructor if they are struggling really makes this. The one problem I see though is that students might not get enough speaking practice. If they have good listening and reading/writing skills, they can really fly through the content, but they won't have a lot of chance to practice conversation because most of their responses will be using texts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that this a cool concept, one of the reasons why I like the Wilkes classes is that I can go to class and not have to worry about childcare. So I can totally relate to the appeal of this class for parents who want to learn to speak English but are probably working more than one job and taking care of children. If the parents improve their English, they will be able to help their children, too.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. I feel it is easily accessed for working adults who want to learn but maybe don't have the time. I feel that more instruction would be needed. I would like to see how it works!
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