Using the IPad in ESL Learning

Using the iPad in ESL learning allows students to benefit in the language acquisition process. It does this through two aspects which this article will cover.

Portability

Portability is extremely helpful in the learning and language acquisition process. The ability to have the iPad in a portable form makes that possible. Most students learn by sight, auditory and tactile experience. This is important in order for them to really learn the material. In ESL this is really important. They are learning a whole new language from scratch. This even applies to adult learning. The iPad is portable. This allows the student and teacher to learn at all times. The classroom doesn't have to wait for their turn to go to the computer lab. That allows consistent learning that can happen when the student and teacher need it.

If your school is lucky enough to allow the students to have their own iPad to take home or they have one of their own then this portability is expanded even further. The iPad can then become a constant learning tool that is assessable 24 hours a day. That enables the student to learn in the moment when they need it.

The teacher can benefit from having one of his or her own as well. The students can be taught on an individual basis as the teacher walks around the room and helps each one. This is very helpful to their sense of touch in learning. They are writing on the iPad with their teacher as they learn. They benefit from the sight learning by seeing the new words with the teacher. Lastly, they learn from the auditory by hearing the words and speaking them with their teacher as the ESL student says the word. All of this happens simultaneously for the student as they processes the new information and learn the language.

Cooperative learning and the iPad

The iPad naturally lends itself to cooperative learning. The students can break into pairs or groups, as they need to work on their ESL lesson. This greatly enhances their ability to learn. Their peers always benefit many students in the acquisition of a new language. ESL naturally lends itself to this cooperative learning process. The ESL students benefit using the iPad because they can work on the lessons together and help one another without having to wait for "computer time". It's available all of the time and easily on the iPad.

The auditory is an added benefit of the iPad because it offers the ESL student the chance to hear and say the new words that they are learning. They can do this in their groups individually with each taking their turn in the group. This mode of cooperative learning truly allows the ESL student the chance to easily enter the language acquisition process then and there. It is life changing in many ways. This social mode of learning helps the ESL student put to use the practical experience of language acquisition by the natural practice of the language with one another.

In conclusion, using the iPad in ESL learning is the way to get ahead in the classroom. It helps the ESL student in the learning, language acquisition process. The teacher benefits, as does the student. Both have the experience and benefits of the portability, and cooperative learning experience of the iPad.

Resource: Apple