The Power of the Electronic Translator
The number of international students in US schools continues to grow. What role can an electronic translator play in their success?
Education news all over the country is full of reports containing data on the ever growing population of English as a second language students in American schools. Can you imagine facing high school, with all of its social pressures, academic demands, and thoughts of future possibilities, and then add learning English at the same time on top of the pile? International students face great challenges with mastering the vocabulary of science, mathematics, physical education, technology, history, and geography while also mastering the concepts and thinking presented on a daily basis. How can one person remember everything coming at them at such a rapid pace, day after day, in such a high stakes environment?
English as a second language (ESL) students are taking advantage of today's technology to be successful in American high school a real possibility. While they can't take a personal human translator/interpreter with them to school, there are many options that are fast, easy, and effective.
The traditional bilingual dictionary never loses its usefulness. Nowadays though, there is no need to carry around a thick, cumbersome book from class to class.
Classrooms with internet access for students open up a world of opportunities for online translator sites. While they may not receive the most grammatically correct translation, students can use these sites to get the main idea of text or to help get their words together in English before composing a final written assignment.
A favorite translator option with high school students at this time utilizes the iPod/iPad technology which is very popular. Since the iPod serves multiple purposes, it's well worth the extra investment. There are many language apps that can assist students with quick, single word translation as well as assistance with longer texts. The touch screen makes using various language keyboards much more practical than the traditional computer. Once Apple is able to provide touch screen keyboards for each Asian languages, ESL students all over the US will be asking for more!