Using Innovative Web Tools to Empower Language Learners

Whether in ELI or TESOL programs in English- speaking countries, or in their home countries, English language learners (ELLs) have special needs for programs that can help them to overcome low levels of L2 vocabulary and other barriers to their success. Though technology has great potential to help language learners better understand and use word meanings, the full potential of technology has not yet been fully explored or exploited. This article reviews studies and presentations by the author on ways to help maximize vocabulary and reading development online. Needs of limited English proficiency learners, especially those from East Asia are addressed, with many recommendations given of ESL/EFL Gold programs with greatest potential to help increase motivation and spur more rapid L2 acquisition. The pedagogical goal was to find multi-level, integrated CALL programs that serve to increase language learners' (LLs) use of glossing programs and interactive programs so as to help them to rapidly build up their target language (TL) vocabulary and reading skills. The overall aim of this presentation is to rapidly review and recommend some of the finest online literacy tools and so-called "EFL Gold" Websites that can help to empower language learners. Two additional goals were 1) to share knowledge of new era trends and technologies for improving language learning; and 2) to visualize online tools we can use to improve language and computer literacy for any language by using a PowerPoint to compare various Glossing Engines for improving online reading and language learning technology. In this APTEL presentation 50-5,000 Websites and links were shown that can be used to improve both language and computer literacy. There we described a distance learning project between Chinese and Japanese students using an author-designed Semantic Field Keyword Approach (Loucky, 2004) for advanced English vocabulary learning for Chinese, Japanese and Arabic students. Keywords-component; Web 2.0 Tools; E-Learning I. CATEGORIZING WEB 2.0 TOOLS

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