Designing Digital-Age Learning Ecosystems for English Language Learners
Discover how to support English Learners by integrating technology in meaningful ways. Use the DATELs framework to increase student engagement and create more equitable learning environments for all students.
Library Media Specialists have a unique role to play in designing learning ecosystems that prepare students for the digital-age we live in. Learn how the Digital-Age Teaching for English Learners framework (DATELs) provides equitable access to engaging learning experiences and how library media specialists have a unique role to play in supporting academic achievement for English Language Learners (ELLs).
The DATELs Framework (Parris et al, 2017, Rubin et al, 2022) outlines the specific elements that must be addressed to provide English Learners with a dynamic, technology-rich learning environment. The framework is designed to provide equitable access to contextually rich, authentic language practice while promoting 21st-century literacy skills. It is based on research-informed and evidence-based technology integration models and instructional strategies, including the SAMR model, created by R. Puentedura (as cited in Boll, 2015), the Flipped Learning model, (Bergman & Sams, 2012), the development of advanced literacy skills (Lesaux et al, 2016) and the Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education Framework (NYSED 2019).
DATELs engages students in synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities that offer flexible access to deeper academic content, while also developing the language domains of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and visually representing. The development of multi literacies, the use of multi modalities, and the intentional design of digital-age learning ecosystems within schools and classrooms will be explored in this session.
This presentation will include sample lesson ideas, tips for fostering collaboration with colleagues, vignettes from educators incorporating technology in creative ways, and targeted questions to facilitate a discussion on best practices. Strategies for in-person, remote, and hybrid instructional models will be shared, including the SOFLA® model (Marshall & Kotska, 2020).
You can find resources for this presentation here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...
About the Presenter:
Heather Rubin is an Administrative Coordinator for the NYSED L.I. RBERN at Eastern Suffolk BOCES. She has over 25 years supporting academic achievement and equity for English Language Learners as a teacher, administrator, presenter, and author. Her book "Digital-Age Teaching for English Learners 2ed.", was published in January 2022, with co-authors Andrea Honigsfeld and Lisa Estrada.