Translation Apps
Assistive Technologies for English Language Learners (ELLs)
As educators, the question isn’t if we will be working with ELL students but instead what we can do to help them be successful in school?
English Language Learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing segment of the public school population in the US. By 2030, ELLs will account for approximately 40% of the entire school-age population in the United States (Roseberry-McKibbin & Brice, 2013).
Translating tools are Assistive Technologies that help both teachers and limited-proficient ELL students. These tools can help teachers communicate with parents and students. Translating tools also help students with accessing academic content and support their efforts to understand and speak another language.
Let's take a closer look
SayHi App
View this video to see how it works
It really is that simple to use!
If you're interested in getting SayHi on your personal device or you do not have access to SELF SERVICE, you can click the buttons below too!
Google Translate App
The Google translate is available as an app on mobile devices (phone or tablets) and is also available as a browser extension on desktop/laptop computers. The Google Translate app and the browser extension enables one to hear and view a translation of both a spoken and written text in his or her's home language and the English language.
Similar to the SayHi App, Google Translate app for mobile devices can be used to translate in nearly real-time bilingual conversation. It is not entirely as accurate as SayHi, and SayHi's interface is student friendlier. However, Google Translate app offers some useful features not available on the SayHi App. Such as the ability to translate images, and documents with the camera on your device, translate text in other apps, recognize handwriting and symbols for translation, and to work offline without an internet connection.
A quick tour on how to use a few of the features of the Google Translate App
Did you know that Cape Henlopen District has Google Translate available through SELF SERVICE to quickly download to your faculty iPad and student iPads?
If you're interested in getting Google Translate on your personal device or you do not have access to SELF SERVICE, you can click the buttons below too!
Last thoughts on the benefits of using SayHi and Google Translate
Additionally, These apps allow visual learners to read information in English and another language, simultaneously. The Google Image feature can enable students to confirm their understanding after they try to understand something on their own. And perhaps the most significant benefit is bridging the communication gaps between teachers and ELL parents. As educators, we all know parental engagement influences students success.
References:
Google. (2016, December 01). #WeSpeakTranslate, do you? [Video File].Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=102&v=rh0DJwSznxw
Google. (n.d.). Google Translate Logo (vector version) [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Translate#/media/File:Google_Translate_logo.svg
Roseberry-McKibbin, C., & Brice, A. (2013).What’s ‘normal,’ what’s not: Acquiring English as a second language. Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/5126
SayHi Translate. (2017, October 06). Meet the all-new SayHi Translate for iOS. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6KTU4_50k4
SayHi Translate. (n.d.). SayHi Media Kit [SayHi Logos & Screenshots]. Retrieved from https://www.sayhitranslate.com/media/#screenshots