Bilingual education: The Benefits of Technology Essay -- essays papers

Bilingual education: The Benefits of Technology The topic of discussion will introduce how technology can benefit Bilingual education in classrooms across the United States. Alone, Bilingual education is a controversial issue. There are several people and organizations in this country who, for various reasons, are opposed to bilingual education. Minorities in the Classroom It is estimated that by the turn of the century up to 40 percent of the children in the nation’s classrooms will be non-white, with the majority Latino. Already, multilingual schools exist in practically every major city. Since the teaching source is primarily White, and becoming even more so, it is important to take immediate action to prepare teachers and principles to work with a student population different than themselves (Dreyer, 1998). The increase limited-English proficient students in today’s classrooms are presenting unique academic and social challenges in education. Teachers who lack experience and training in working with linguistically and culturally diverse students must make a commitment to address these student’s needs by learning strategies that can fulfill the dual function of presenting academic content while also providing opportunities for the limited-English proficient student to develop their language skills naturally (Garret, 1999). Diversity in our classrooms represents opportunities for expanding ideas, for learning about language, and for cultural exchange among students. The cultural and racially diverse classroom is a natural resource, yet few teachers realize the educational benefits that can be attained through understanding how diversity enhances the learning experience, especially when teachers are striv... ...rograms. R. Macias & D.J. Rose. (1994). Wired for knowledge: Advanced technology keeps students stimulated and in school. Hispanic. 7,17-21. Retrieved February 19, 2004 from ERIC/EBSCO database. Interactive classrooms called ‘Electronic Classrooms,’ which involves teaching by a specially prepared site broadcasted over 3 cable channels. Cho, Hanah. (2003, October 19). Nonprofit creating a charter school; As Harford adopts policies, church group has hopes to start county’s first one. The Sun. Baltimore, MD. Rescue-One –the nonprofit community development corperation of Zion Temple Church in Havre de Grace discuss the development plans for a charter school that would emphasize technology and bilingualism. Weisman, Jonathan. (1998, April 24). School tax break voted: Senate also defeats national tests, back state block grants. The Sun. Baltimore, MD.