Holy Rosary ESL Program Computer Lab

What is educational technology?

This includes any type of technology used to help educators and learners achieve their goals and enhance their curriculum. Audio, video, and digital images are probably the most frequently used educational technologies.  Computer software, the Internet, and email can be effective educational tools as well.

What types of educational technology will you use with your learners?

The key to making technology an effective educational tool is planning, evaluation and on-going training. Never lose sight of your key goal, which is to meet the learners’ needs.  Assess learners' educational goals and build from there. Use this technology planning form at your next ABE program meeting to begin developing your own educational technology plan.

How do I begin planning?

Take stock of your existing resources.  Do your textbooks already have audio-cassettes or CDs that can extend learning exercises?  Are there videotapes available in your resource library or at the local video store that will expand and illustrate lessons in your curriculum?  What software or Internet resources are easily accessible and can supplement topics you plan to teach?  Who has used these materials at your program and can be a mentoring resource for other educators?

After checking your existing inventory, make a list of additional materials you may want to acquire. What language and/or life skills practice or particular topic areas do you want these materials to supplement?  What budget do you have set aside for these items, to pay for initial evaluation, acquisition and on-going training?

Evaluate materials before you invest. Try out software, read reviews and talk to other ABE programs where these materials have been used.  Learn as much as you can about the effectiveness of any technology before you buy.  Wherever possible, learners, teachers, tutors and coordinators should be engaged in the evaluation process.  Access and then modify established evaluation guidelines to suit your own program needs.

Once you have the materials you need, remember to access initial and supportive on-going training to assist you in understanding the most effective way of integrating these materials to enhance your overall curriculum.

To check the MLC technology training calendar, click here.