Twitter+for+English+Language+Learners

**The Implementation of Twitter** As a new user of Twitter, I am starting to see how it can be used in the classroom to enhance the comprehension of english for English Language Learners. I have begun to see the ease of use of using a mobile device and uploading short descriptions of objects to help learn the english language. I can also see how mobile devices with cameras could be a really useful tool while using Twitter. You could take pictures and attach them to short descriptions of words to create electronic mobile flash cards that could be viewed at school or at home. The child would also have more involvement of the creation of these flash cards so there is more of a buy-in from the student. The challenge that I have seen with this form of web 2.0 technology for English Language Learners is teacher hesitancy to use it on a frequent basis. I work at a school in which 19% of the students are English Language Learners. Many of the school around me in this same school district have numbers similar to that. Many of these families have access to internet and other forms of technology. I have not encountered one teacher who uses this form of technology to enhance the learning of their students. One reason could be the lack of training on technology like this. Many of the ELL students I have worked with have easier access to phones over a computer. If teachers begin using this type of technology, they will easily become more familiar with the program and its opportunities for student success in the classroom. Training would be beneficial, especially in regards to Web 2.0 uses and helping ELL students, but sometimes it is a matter or teacher creativity and jumping in and getting your feet wet. There are webinars and several other methods of training to learn to use these resources including YouTube videos, and blogs created by teachers. More and more teachers are beginning to use Twitter to enhance their learning of their students because of it's ease of use and the opportunities it affords to the ELL learners. With some creativity there is a plethora of activities that are available for usage with Twitter. Utiliziing this Web 2.0 tool allows students to continue the practice of language immersion in a non-threatening environment. Teachers also have the option to pair non-native speakers with a native speaker in order to increase conversation and an authentic experience.