COVID-19 has had a significant impact on education, forcing institutions to adapt quickly to online learning. Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), located in Utah, was no exception. However, one ESL teacher at SLCC, George Ellington, was ahead of the curve and had already been developing online courses before the pandemic hit. This allowed SLCC to seamlessly transition to online ESL instruction during these challenging times.
Ellington, who has been teaching at SLCC for 28 years, praised the growth of online learning as it provides more flexibility for both teachers and students. SLCC now offers six levels of ESL instruction across multiple campuses. The age range in ESL classes varies, but the average age falls between 20 and 30. Ellington noted that older students, especially those in their 30s or older, often have less technological experience and struggle to adapt to new technology. However, he highlighted that it&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s not their fault for not being familiar with new technology.
Some ESL students, such as Huda Alsakhi from Iraq and Elenora Bowen from Ukraine, shared their experiences with adapting to the use of technology in the classroom. Alsakhi, who identified herself as &https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8220;older,&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8221; admitted that she is more comfortable using traditional tools like planners and paper for assignments. Bowen, on the other hand, expressed comfort in the class because all the students are in a similar situation, learning English together.
Another ESL learning center in Salt Lake City, Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, faced similar challenges with technology adoption. Speartha Nyirazireze, a student from Rwanda, initially struggled with operating a computer. However, with the help of her teachers and classmates, she eventually learned to navigate unfamiliar technology.
While technology has played a critical role in facilitating online learning, a 2021 study by Dr. Nehaya Ahlamed at the University of North Florida suggests that its integration may not always have a positive impact. The study found that increased use of multimedia technology can distract students from the material being studied and hinder the development of dialogic communication and idea formulation. Additionally, language translating devices, although convenient, are not always reliable, leading to potential learning challenges.
Ryan Lavine, who teaches technology classes to ESL students at Horizonte, acknowledged that while technology comes naturally to him, it might not be the case for everyone. He highlighted that cultural upbringing and environment often determine one&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s comfort level with technology. Lavine also observed that older ESL students frequently forget their passwords during class sessions.
To address the diverse needs of ESL students, Horizonte has started offering classes at various times to accommodate different work schedules. Ellington also suggested that older ESL students seek enrollment in SLCC&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s basic computer classes. Furthermore, SLCC offers the Summer Bridge program, aimed at assisting undocumented, disabled, minority, low-income, or first-generation students. The program incorporates technology education and may provide participants with a laptop if needed.
Although SLCC provides ESL students with various resources, Ellington believes that the international department could do more to support students settling into college. He emphasized the importance of connecting students with individuals who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated them.
Luz Gamarra, an academic advisor at SLCC, founded the Amigos Mentores ESL mentorship program to provide support and guidance to new ESL students. The program follows the principle of &https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8220;learn, grow, and share&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8221; and aims to pass on wisdom gained from experience to the next group of students. Gamarra&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s own journey, from being a prosecutor in Peru to navigating ESL classes in the United States, inspired her to establish the program. She eventually graduated with a master&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s degree in social work, using her own experiences adapting to a new country and language as the driving force behind her chosen field.
The Amigos Mentores program is just one example of how ESL students help each other overcome language and technology barriers. Mentorship from fellow students is especially effective in addressing technical challenges, such as using platforms like Canvas. Maria Ammar, associate dean of SLCC&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPUNBYjdYUWdPR1F3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrZGpKVmMwSjVXVlo0UVhsbk4yOW9NMFJUYzJ0M1FUMDk-8217;s ESL program, highlighted the strong sense of community among ESL students, with students being willing to help each other in and out of the classroom.
ESL scholarships are available at SLCC to alleviate financial stress for students. Gamarra suggested that SLCC could promote these scholarships more effectively and collaborate closely with the advising department to provide comprehensive support to ESL students. She firmly believes that there is no excuse for students not to succeed in the United States.
In conclusion, Salt Lake Community College has successfully adapted its ESL program to online learning, thanks to the foresight and efforts of teachers like George Ellington. While technology integration poses some challenges, programs like the Amigos Mentores mentorship initiative provide crucial support to ESL students, ensuring their success at SLCC. With continued support, ESL students can overcome language and technology barriers, ultimately achieving their goals in a new country.
