Leveraging technology to support ESL student engagement

Many teachers are accustomed to using technological tools in the classroom, both to manage their resources and to drive engaging experiences for students, including those for whom English is a second language (ESL). At the same time, classrooms are increasingly filled with tech-savvy and tech-literate students who take for granted that they can look up words online rather than in a paper dictionary, or who would rather watch a YouTube tutorial video than read a chapter of a textbook. This speaks to a need for thoughtfully integrating tech-enhanced engagement opportunities into the classroom, and technology tools can be just as important for English language learning as they are for other subjects.¹

This post considers frameworks for integrating educational technology into the classroom effectively. It also looks at some of the existing interactive ESL learning tools and strategies for engaging ESL students with technology.

Frameworks for effective tech integration

Decades of educational technology experience and research have led to the development of frameworks for effective tech and tool integration, such as the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework (TPACK)² and the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition model (SAMR).³

The TPACK framework highlights the intersection of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge, encouraging teachers to blend what they know about subject matter, teaching methods, and relevant technologies to optimize learning experiences.² In contrast, the SAMR model offers a hierarchy for assessing technology’s role in educational tasks, moving from substitution, where tech acts as a direct tool replacement, up through augmentation, modification, and redefinition, where technology enables significant task redesign or new forms of learning not previously possible.³ While TPACK focuses on balancing and weaving together different types of knowledge teachers need, SAMR provides a practical ladder for evaluating and deepening technology use in classroom activities. Together, these models provide both a theoretical foundation and a practical pathway for thoughtful tech integration, enabling educators to plan and reflect on their choices to enhance learning and to align tech use with curriculum goals and standards to elevate student achievements and outcomes.

Key technology categories

Digital learning for English learners is facilitated by a growing arsenal of tools across a variety of technology categories:

• Gamified language-learning apps: These include popular platforms like Duolingo⁴ and Kahoot!
• AI-powered tutors: There are an increasing number of online AI language tutors, such as Speak and Talkpal.
• Multimedia creation tools: Content-creation tools and apps such as YouTube and TikTok can encourage students to stretch their language learning through digital storytelling and podcasting.
• Video conferencing: Apps like Zoom and FaceTime help in setting up virtual exchanges for authentic speaking practice.
• AR/VR environments: Platforms like VirtualSpeech and Mondly use cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology to engage language learners.⁵

Engagement-boosting strategies

Technology tools for ESL students must be part of engagement-boosting strategies to be effective. Gamification, which involves practices like awarding points and badges for achievements and tracking progress on leaderboards, now has widespread recognition as an effective language-learning strategy.⁶

ESL teachers can also use interactive polls, quizzes, and chat groups to drive engagement. Collaborative documents, wikis, and peer feedback cycles encourage group work and social learning.

Students often respond positively to project-based tasks, such as developing videos or blogs. Additionally, student-generated content can be shared on secure class platforms.

Data and analytics

ESL classroom technology strategies further extend to student assessment and evaluation. Digital tools for education allow teachers to set up real-time dashboards to monitor participation and progress. These can include formative assessment tools, rendering timely feedback to leverage insights for more effective, personalized instruction.⁷

Teacher professional development

Educational technology has a growing role to play in advancing teachers’ professional development. In addition to building digital literacy and developing pedagogical tech skills, educational tech facilitates networking and experience sharing through online professional learning communities (PLCs) and coaching.

Teachers can also incentivize themselves and quantify their achievements by obtaining micro-credentials in various aspects of digital proficiency. Additionally, digital tools can help educators make and store notes applicable to particular lesson plans and classroom experiences to support reflection on and evaluation of how technology has influenced student engagement.⁸

Equity and accessibility considerations

As with all education strategies, consider equity and accessibility issues when crafting technology-enhanced classroom experiences. For example, it’s essential to ensure that learners have internet access and the devices needed to complete digital assignments. Applying frameworks such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL)⁹ and utilizing multilingual interfaces can help break down barriers to learning for individual students.

When utilizing apps and other digital tools backed by commercial entities, always give consideration to user privacy, online security, and data usage.

Elevate your ESL teaching practice at KU

Adopting a digitally literate teaching approach can allow you to engage ESL students with technology and develop a culturally responsive curriculum featuring authentic learning experiences that reach beyond the classroom. Piloting new tools in your teaching, gathering data, and iterating on your approach can enhance the quality of your classroom instruction and benefit both you and your students.

The University of Kansas offers an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) as well as a graduate certificate in TESOL, both of which can help you develop a deeper understanding of best practices for integrating technology tools into your classroom. Our courses are taught by expert faculty with rich classroom experience and will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to create meaningful learning experiences for all of your students.

If you are ready to take the next step in your teaching journey, review our admissions requirements today. You can also contact us with questions or schedule an appointment with one of our admissions outreach advisors.