Improving Education

UX for ELL Students

The "Improving Education UX for ELL Students" project demonstrates how assistive technology can support the learning journey of English Language Learners (ELLs). This study analyzes the potential of iPads and other classroom tech, showing how these tools can improve independence, communication among teachers, students, and parents, and the assessment of student progress.

Over 4-6 weeks, we collected student work and conducted interviews. We observed classroom dynamics to explore the benefits of integrating technology into education, particularly with ELL students who spoke Arabic, a right-to-left (RTL) language. Our findings illustrate technology's ability to make learning more accessible and effective for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Goals and significance:

Classrooms are increasingly diverse, and technology is more readily available; exploring how these tools can support ELL students is crucial. Our project goals were clear:

  • 1. Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom

    Empower students to continue their learning journey at home.

  • 2. Increase Literacy and Vocabulary

    Provide resources in English and students' native languages to enhance reading and vocabulary skills.

  • 4. Facilitate Classroom Interaction

    To create a more inclusive environment and foster communication and learning between ELL and non-ELL students.

Working with RTL Languages in UX Design:

Understanding the nuances of left-to-right (LTR) and right-to-left (RTL) language scripts is essential for effective UX design. While LTR languages are displayed from left to right, RTL languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, are mirrored and displayed from right to left.

This presents unique challenges in translating educational content for students and parents who are native speakers of RTL languages. Our project aimed to address these challenges, ensuring smooth and effective communication.

Findings:

  • Technology significantly improved communication among students, teachers, and parents. Based on our surveys, 65% of teachers reported significant improvements, and 70% of parents felt more connected and informed. As a result, we saw a 30% increase in parent-teacher engagement by the end of the school year.

  • ELL students gained greater control over their learning processes. We observed an increase in student-led activities, with the majority of students feeling more confident using technology for their studies, based on teacher observation.

  • Both students and teachers enthusiastically embraced the tech integration, agreeing to renew the program the following year, paving the way for future tech-friendly educational practices.

Conclusion:

Through this project, we showcased how thoughtful technology integration can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.