English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad

Learning with iPad

Supporting English-Language

Learners

English-language learners are a growing

and important focus area for K–12 schools.

Educators are looking for effective ways

to support these learners and help them

achieve. They’re discovering that iPad is

the ideal device for personalizing learning

and strengthening language skills to ensure

student success.

How iPad can help

The built-in features on iPad along with the breadth of available learning resources make it a valuable tool

for supporting English-language learners (ELLs). iPad allows students to immediately and independently

start taking charge of their learning—at their own pace and tailored to their specific needs. It can become

almost any tool students need—a camera, a translator, a book, a drawing canvas, a voice recorder—and so

much more.

iPad is both highly personal and inconspicuous—ELLs who carry iPad devices don’t feel singled out.

They can practice language verbally on a device that’s intimate and customized for them, leveraging the

power of language skill development through repetition.

English learners can instantly create with iPad—they can draw, record audio, take pictures, and shoot

video. Built-in creativity tools, as well as many third-party apps, provide diverse and authentic options

for ELLs to improve their language skills, practice oral language, and communicate in a variety of ways.

iPad supports students where they are in their learning journeys to meet their individual skills, interests,

levels, and learning styles.

This booklet provides a quick look at the built-in features on iPad that you can use to support ELLs.

You’ll also find examples of outstanding learning materials, as well as activity ideas and stories from

schools that are using iPad to help their English learners achieve.

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 2

iPad includes many built-in features that can be used to support

English learners. Here are some examples.

Spoken Text

With Speak Selection, students can highlight text and use the Speak option

to have the text read aloud, helping them to learn correct pronunciation.

Learners can also use Speak Screen to read the entire contents on a screen.

This both increases their exposure to language and helps them proofread

text they’ve written.

Alex is Apple’s proprietary text-to-speech voice and is the most human-

sounding voice available. Alex actually reads a whole paragraph before

beginning to speak. Alex knows when to pause and literally takes a breath,

making it possible for ELLs to understand the text and its pronunciation.

With the typing feedback feature, students can have a word spoken back

to them once they’ve typed it, which confirms they’ve correctly spelled and

written the word. This also reinforces English pronunciation of the word at

the time of typing it.

Dictation

Thanks to the built-in microphone and Dictation, learners are no longer

limited by having to write or type their thoughts. Allowing students to talk

instead of type helps them practice speaking, enunciating, and pronouncing

words in English more effectively. Dictation works offline and doesn’t require

an Internet connection, which is great for the mobile learner.Additionally,

when students dictate in their native languages, teachers are better able

to assess student thinking on the curricular topic—not just on language

development. And teachers can use a translation app to convert the native

language to English.

Built-in features for

English-language learners

Supporting English-Language Learners with iPad | 3

Safari Reader

Students can use Safari Reader to view a web page article in one page,

optimized for easy reading and presented without ads, navigation, or other

distracting items. They can adjust the font, font size, and background

color, as well. This gives students greater confidence when reading the

content on the page without becoming overwhelmed by distractions.

Communication tools

English learners can use iPad to practice language acquisition skills

and interact with written text in a variety of formats—audio, visual,

emoji, and video. Here are a few examples:

FaceTime. Great for getting students conversing and using

language authentically, FaceTime supports visual verbal

communication through video chats.

Messages. Communicating via text chats using emojis, pictures,

and video engages learners and enhances communication.

Students can type in two languages at the same time without

having to switch betweenkeyboards to ensure they get their

messages across effectively.

Camera. Building fluency is fun for students when they capture

video of themselves practicing their speaking skills, listen to their

pronunciation, reflect on areas of improvement, and then rerecord.

Notes. Writing in the Notes app—using Speak Selection, predictive

text, and Dictation—can help students practice speaking and

listening and enhance their written language. They can add images

or draw a sketch of what they’re trying to say, then share it in real

time with their teachers or classmates.

Content creation

Students often demonstrate their thinking and understanding of content

in ways that don’t rely solely on the written English language. The built-in

content creation apps on iPad help them scaffold through visuals, text,

and other media, and provide them with opportunities for authentic use

of language and academic vocabulary. And these apps allow teachers and

students to author culturally relevant materials, especially in languages

for which purchased content is not widely available. Students can even

add illustrations directly in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote using Apple

Pencil or their finger. Here are a few ideas for using Apple creation apps

with English learners:

Pages. Use the new digital book templates to create interactive

books that include images, videos, drawings, shapes, and audio

recordings.

Keynote. Create visual vocabulary cards with images, audio

recordings, animations, and video.

Numbers. Document the writing process on individual sheets

for prewriting, writing, and revisions.

GarageBand. Record reading to improve reading fluency or

capture students singing songs to learn language and patterns.

iMovie. Build video versions of picture books using titles,

images, voiceovers, images, and sound effects.

Clips. Create videos that capture learning quickly and easily.

Using Live Titles, students can add animated captions and

titles—just by talking—that sync perfectly with their voice.

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 4

Additional built-in features

There’s a wide variety of learning materials available for iPad that

can engage ELLs and help them learn in new and exciting ways. And

many of these outstanding resources are ideal for teachers as well.

App Store. A vast collection of engaging apps on the App Store can help

ELLs boost literacy skills, improve fluency, and create in many different ways.

Translation apps are also available that allow learners to instantly translate

words into their primary languages.

iBooks Store. There are thousands of engaging Multi-Touch

books in the iBooks Store for English learners, including leveled

readers and dual-language books. One example is My Best, Best

Friend—an interactive book designed to expand language while

having fun. Many books have built-in reading tools, such as

spoken text, instant access to dictionary definitions, and study

cards that help with comprehension.

iTunes U. This online catalog includes free education courses from top schools

and prominent institutions worldwide. Much of this content is ideal for teachers,

such as the Learn English with Photos course from EM Normandie school or the

ESOL course from the University of South Florida College of Education.

iBooks Author. With iBooks Author on a Mac, educators and

students can create their own interactive books for viewing on

iPad. Teachers can develop materials personalized for students’

own reading levels. Explore Just-Right Books at Their Fingertips:

Authoring for Primary Readers to see how a teacher uses iBooks

Author to create leveled texts for her students. This strategy

also benefits older ELLs who need scaffolded reading options to

access the content.

Engaging learning materials

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 5

Apps for English-language learners
Here are just a few examples of how engaging apps can support 
English learners. 
Drops. Provides a visual way to learn English vocabulary in just  
five minutes a day. Offers a fun approach to language learning  
in a gamelike format. Includes a strategic vocabulary selection  
with over a thousand practical words.
Duolingo. This fun and simple app for learning grammar allows  
students to build their own sentences in “free-form” mode using  
a dynamic, grammar-based tree structure. In “challenge” mode, 
they work in the opposite direction, analyzing sentences and  
figuring out the underlying grammar.
Endless Reader. Students have fun learning sight words along  
with their context and usage with the adorable Endless monsters. 
As they place each word in a sentence and watch a character act 
out its meaning, they gain early word-recognition and reading skills. 
eSpark. Delivers customized iPad curriculum that includes  
engaging apps, videos, and quizzes based on students’ unique 
needs and assessment data. Helps teachers to differentiate 
learning by diagnosing skill levels and recommending instructional 
content for each student.
Explain Everything. Turns iPad into an interactive video  
whiteboard that allows students to demonstrate what they’ve 
learned by combining interactive visuals and recorded narration. 
Teachers can create instructional tutorials for students and use  
it for formative student assessments.
Lexia Core5 Reading. A literacy improvement and assessment 
solution that allows students to master fundamental literacy skills 
through individualized learning paths. For ELLs, audio directions 
are available in multiple languages.
Milly, Molly & the Bike Ride. Learners can touch the text in this 
engaging story to have it read aloud. The app also translates text in 
a variety of languages. After learners gain context and comprehend 
the story, they can record themselves reading and play it back to 
practice fluency.
Newsela. Builds reading comprehension by delivering daily news 
and nonfiction at a reading level that’s just right for each student. 
Articles are published at five reading levels, and most are available 
in English and Spanish.
Puppet Pals HD Director’s Pass. This playful app lets students 
choose characters and settings to create or retell stories in any  
language. Using a variety of literacy skills—engagement with text, 
oral language fluency, and even hand-eye coordination—students 
move the puppets on the screen while speaking.
Quizlet. Make flashcards in any language to practice spelling  
and vocabulary, play learning games, test knowledge, and more. 
Students can add images and audio to their flashcards and listen  
to pronunciations in 18 languages.
English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad  |  6

Learning activity: Design vocabulary flashcards

Students can use the built-in features on iPad to strengthen

their language skills. Flashcards, especially when customized

with visuals, context clues, and definitions, help English

learners personalize and streamline the process of acquiring

new and difficult words.

Objective

Students create their own support practices through vocabulary

flashcards that can be duplicated and used for any subject area or

learning concept.

Overview

In this workflow, students build a flashcard template in Keynote that can

be used in multiple disciplines and shared with others. Once the template

has been created, they can personalize each slide with their own text,

images, drawings, videos, and audio recordings.

Keynote Camera

To view the full lesson, download Enhancing Productivity with iPad from

the iBooks Store. See pages 23–24.

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 7

Learning activity: Track reading fluency

iBooks

With the right tools, monitoring and documenting reading

fluency growth can be engaging and meaningful for your

students. Recording reading progress and capturing data

helps them self-assess and develop decoding and reading

comprehension skills.

Objective

Using a spreadsheet and voice recordings, students are empowered to

monitor progress over time through tracking and recording their fluency

rate, expression, and errors.

Overview

In this activity, students build a fluency tracking system in a Numbers

spreadsheet. Working with a partner, they’ll read an appropriately leveled

passage in iBooks while recording themselves in Numbers. Students

are then able to quickly add self-assessment data to tables in Numbers

that help them collect, organize, and keep track of learning progress.

Additionally, students can set reading goals and monitor progress toward

their goals.

Numbers

To view the full lesson, download Enhancing Productivity with iPad from

the iBooks Store. See pages 30–31.

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 8

Learning activity: Practice fluency and share progress

Sock Puppets

Complete

At Valencia Park Elementary, teachers are able to personalize

lessons with iPad no matter where students are on their

language development journeys. This is one example of an

activity they use with their English learners to build fluency.

Objective

Students build reading fluency by using iPad to create an animated story

with their narration included. This way they can track their pronunciation,

speed, and accuracy progression. They then demonstrate and share their

progress in a variety of ways.

Overview

In this workflow, students use the Sock Puppets Complete app and

the built-in microphone on iPad to bring virtual sock puppets to life by

recording themselves reading aloud. To demonstrate their progress, they

write original stories and film themselves with iMovie, practice speaking

English, and use their presentation skills with Keynote. They then read

aloud with book buddies in different schools using FaceTime.

iMovie Keynote FaceTime

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 9

Impact on learning

Schools are seeing great results by providing ELLs with access

to iPad and learning content. Here are just a few examples.

Valencia Park Elementary, Fullerton, California. At Valencia

Park Elementary, 62 percent of students are learning English as a

second language. For most second graders, the average expected

rate of increase in words-per-minute reading fluency is one word

per week. Yet over the course of 8.4 weeks, Valencia Park reports

that second-grade students participating in the Young Scholars

Program, in which they used iPad in the classroom, increased their

reading fluency rate by 4.6 words per week. Because of this success,

they’ve expanded the program to include a VIP take-home iPad pro-

gram for fifth and sixth grades.

Escondido Union School District, Escondido, California. For eight

years, Escondido has seen significant student achievement gains in

reading comprehension. The district has deployed two different iPad

implementations across their district: 100-plus classes with Shared

iPad and 150-plus classrooms with a one-to-one model. Escondido

observed that students in the one-to-one mobile device classroom

made nearly two years of progress in reading comprehension in just six

months; a comparable class had just two-and-a-half months’ growth

in the same period.

John C. Fremont Elementary, Corcoran, California. Located in a

small agricultural community in California’s Central San Joaquin Valley,

John C. Fremont Elementary serves all the district’s grades two and

three students. For years, their ratio of ELL classes to English Only

(EO) classes was 7:4. Learning with iPad has had a positive impact on

language acquisition, and now the ratio is reversed, with only three to

four ELL classes per grade level and six to seven EO classes.

McKinna Elementary School, Oxnard, California. At this Title I

school, over 80 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch

and 75 percent are ELLs. iPad has helped all students gain access to

the curricula and construct meaning that personalizes learning. Students

access lessons at home, making learning an anytime, anywhere adventure.

Text can be translated into Spanish—a huge advantage for this 98 percent

Latino population. Parents can also fully participate in the education of

their students.

“ The class collaborates on engaging projects

that encourage reading, writing, and speaking.

Literacy and fluency scores have vastly improved

and attendance hasskyrocketed.”

Alina Mills, teacher, Valencia Park Elementary

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 10

Classroom

This versatile teaching assistant puts the teacher in charge of

every iPad in the classroom, keeping students focused, even

when they’re working on different tasks. Learn more >

Schoolwork

Schoolwork is a powerful iPad app built to help teachers and

students use the creative power of iPad. Teachers can distribute

and collect assignments, assign activities within apps, and view

student progress. They can also collaborate with an individual

student and provide instant feedback, enabling them to tailor

instruction for that student’s needs. And students have one place

to see assignments, organized by class and due date, submit

work, and view their own progress. Learn more >

Tools for teaching

English-Language Learners: Learning with iPad | 11

Many solutions are available that make it easy to guide the use of devices and apps in the classroom, get insight into each student’s

progress, and share student work.

iTunes, iTunes U, Keynote, Mac, Numbers, Pages, and Safari are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and

other countries. Multi-Touch is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store and iBooks Store are service marks of Apple Inc.,

registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks

of their respective companies.

Resources

Apple provides many resources to help teachers learn how to

use our products and integrate them into classroom learning.

Here are some to get started.

Apple Teacher

We designed the Apple Teacher program to help teachers build skills to

use Apple products in the classroom. It offers self-paced learning with

free learning materials, tips, news, and inspiration. And after completing

online quizzes, they’ll receive an official Apple Teacher logo to share their

achievement with the world. Learn more >

Everyone Can Create

Everyone Can Create was designed to give every student the opportunity to

develop the skills and techniques they need to become the next generation

of innovators, artists, and creators. It includes a versatile set of resources

designed to help teachers infuse core creative skills into the topics and

subjects they teach every day. Learn more >

English Language Learning collection

The best place to find great content is the English Language Learning

collection on iTunes—a rich collection of resources with leveled texts

to help students become experienced and confident readers, as well

as apps to develop speaking and writing skills. You’ll also find valuable

lesson ideas and best practices from other teachers. Explore now >

Apple Professional Learning

We want your teachers to feel confident using Apple technology for learning

and teaching. Our specialists are former educators who can support your

teachers with onsite coaching and mentoring that helps them design deeper

learning experiences for each student. Many solutions are available that

make it easy to guide the use of devices and apps in the classroom, get

insight into each student’s progress, and share student work. Learn more >

To learn more about Apple in Education, visit www.apple.com/education

or call 1-800-800-2775 to speak with an Apple Education representative.