Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Nicole's Curent Issue #4

Nicole Dagro
Language Arts and Technology
Current Event #4
Due 11.13.07

Title: Learning tool for Spanish speakers to be added at high schools; Grant from Mexican Consulate
Author: Benjamin Price
Source: CEC SmartBrief
Athens Banner-Herald
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/102907/news%2020071029041.shtml.
Publication Date: October 29, 2007


I found an article discussing software that was developed for Spanish speaking students. The software is called “Plaza Communitaria,” or “Communication Plaza.” A school in Clarke County, Georgia received a grant from the Mexican government that has allowed them to obtain this software. They will be one of the first schools in Georgia to implement it. The software provides students with the curriculum they learn in English in their classes’ everyday, in Spanish. They may access the software after school.
The article states how it is very hard for students who do not speak English to gain the academic language they need for science, math, etc. They must learn English and gain this academic vocabulary at the same time. The software provides that extra support to help them master the content in their own language. The article also states that the software can be used to obtain a GED or a Mexican equivalency diploma.
This article relates to our Language Arts and Technology class because we are always discussing how we will reach all types of students. This software can do just that. We can now reach those who need the extra support in their own language when we would not have been able to do it before. Technology is aiding us to reach more students. This article also relates to our class because we are always looking for ways to increase literacy using technology, hence the name of the class. This software helps to increase literacy for students whose first language is not English. Although the software provides them with the curriculum in Spanish, they are gaining the academic words they will need to understand the concepts in English. Once they gain this vocabulary in Spanish they can begin to make connections to English.
This article opened my eyes to technology I did not know existed. Last semester, when I was completing my student teaching, I had students in my second placement that really did not speak English. There were books I could make photo copies out of and give to them, but I did not know if they really understood the material because I could not communicate with them. I believe that this software is a great idea and wonderful tool because now students who may not have graduated because of the language barrier or students, whose academic potential didn’t show because of the language barrier, have a chance to excel. I think that this program could open many doors to students all over the country and it should be available in all schools. I know we are a long way from that, but maybe one day it could happen.

1 comment:

Bruce said...

Thats great! Its important that we find alternative ways to help students who have the stress of learning another language. Well its important these students learn English its also important that we keep students in school. The dropout rate needs to go down not up! Hopefully if the program is successful that it will expand to other communities across he country.