Bilingual Education Program at Texas A

1
Creating Partnerships of Success
Email bilingual_at_tamu.edu
2
Texas AM UniversityBilingual Education Program

• Technology
• Partnerships

3
(No Transcript)
4
We all Need Technology Access and Training

• Vast inequities in access to technology for
  Hispanic families

5
with Home Computers US
1999 National study

6
Digital Divide Reports

• U.S. is adopting Internet at a rapid rate but
  Blacks and Hispanics show a disparity in gains
  when compared to Whites and Asian Pacific
  Islanders.
• As income and education increase, so does
  telephone ownership, computer use, and Internet
  access except in some categories of Hispanic and
  Black.
• Lack of computer exposure, use on jobs, and
  Spanish language advertising have been identified
  as factors influencing Hispanic trends
• Viewing new technologies as luxury not necessity
  are identified as another reason for lack of
  involvement in new technologies

7
Technology Literacy is a Necessity
8
with Online Services US
1999 National Study

9

• Many lower income and education groups access
  Internet from community sources. i.e. public
  libraries, public schools, community centers.
• Lower income groups are more likely to use
  Internet for educational or job skill
  improvement.
• Flexible arrangements using public access centers
  and new learning theories will help redefine
  education, address individual differences, and
  offer learning to anyone, anytime, anyplace.

10
Beyond Functional Literacy
11
Family Curriculum (Semester One)

• Introduction to Computer Technology
• Intro to Word Processing
• Intro to the Internet
• Email
• Homework Helper
• Conducted in both Spanish and English

12
Teachers and staff need training as well
Many CLD students and their families may not
have computers at home (particularly with
internet access.) Teachers and schools must
provide technology training and access for CLD
families Most teachers and staff are not trained
to deliver tech training in languages besides
English Teacher programs have a new
responsibility
13
Technology Infusion Ideas to Reduce the Gap

• Technology can enhance all subject areas
• Family nights
• Class-to-class partnership projects
• Project-based partnerships
• Loaning computers
• Staff development specifically targeting working
  with CLD families
• Labs available to families at schools and other
  community locations
• Develop multilingual curriculums

14
National Bilingual Education Technology Needs

• Our program is interested in developing
• Research-based culturally responsive bilingual
  software for PK-Adult
• Bilingual teacher technology integration
• modules
• Expansion of the distance bilingual teacher
  program and professional development

15

• New developments in technology hold promise for
  more effective and more equal access for
  bilingual learners and their families

16
Language Diversity Network

17
Language Diversity Network

• National Bilingual Education Website
  http//ldn.tamu.edu/ (federally funded)
• Venue for sharing research and information
• Focus on technology
• Will be used for professional development

18
Helpful References

• Cummins, J. Sayers, D. (1997). Brave New
  Schools Challenging Cultural Illiteracy through
  Global Learning Networks, NY St. Martin Press
• Finegan, C. Helms, R. Gotthoffer, D. (2000).
  Quick Guide to the Internet for Multicultural
  Education, Boston Allyn Bacon
• Henderson, , T. A. Berla, N. (1994). A New
  Generation of Learners Collaboration among
  Teachers, Students, Families and Communities. NY
  St. Martin Press.
• Warschauer, M. Shetzer, H. Melon, C. (2000).
  Internet for Teaching English, VA TESOL.

19
Helpful Websites

• IEarn (The Family Project, a cross-cultural
  comparison to promote intergenerational learning)
• http//www.igc.org/iearn/
• Orillas http//www.orillas.org/
• National Parent Information Network
• http//npin.org/
• National Center on Adult Literacy
  http//ncal.literacy.upenn.edu/

20

• For further information
• Martha M. Galloway
• Bilingual Program TAMU
• 979-845-5625
• FAX [phone]
• Email bilingual_at_tamu.edu