Increase language access during onboarding by using multilingual videos and text

Author:
What: Introduce new learners to your instructional technology tools using materials in their primary language
Based on the languages the program is able to provide, learners can be introduced to the technology that they will be expected to use in class via captioned video tutorials and written tutorials in their primary language.

Why: Remove the language barrier as an additional obstacle to digital inclusion

Programs will increase language access and support their learners by addressing English as an additional barrier to learning new technology tools. This practice also supports learners’ individual learning preferences and strengths: the videos are beneficial for learners who prefer to learn visually, via audio, or through demonstration, and learners who are illiterate in their primary language. The written tutorials will benefit learners who prefer to read or learn at their own pace, and learners who do not have sufficient internet bandwidth to watch multiple videos. This practice is taken from the case study on Carlos Rosario International Adult Charter School for the Remote ESOL Project. To see more of the practices and policy recommendations that came from that study, read the brief.

Evidence-Based Strategies

This routine is supported by the following strategies:

Explicit Instruction: Computer Basics Multimodal Instruction Handouts/Online Guides/Visual Reading Aids

How: Screencastify, YouTube, Word Processor

Use a screen-recording tool like Screencastify or a video camera to record short, basic tutorials of the technology that learners in your program will be expected to use (e.g., a Chromebook, Zoom, Learning Management System). After uploading the videos to YouTube, add subtitles using YouTube’s subtitling/closed captioning feature. Ideally, for each technology topic or tool, you will have a video with audio and subtitles in the primary languages of your student population. Using word processors (Google Docs, Microsoft Word, e.g.) or presentation software (Google Slides, PowerPoint, e.g.), create written tutorials in parallel languages to accompany your videos. Add screenshots for clarity using your computer’s print screen key or the Snipping Tool.

EdTech Tool Types: Screen Capture

EF.3 Use Basic Browser Tools

Learners will need to use basic browser tools to access and view the captioned videos and written tutorials. Support learners in the development of these skills by including explicit instruction for essential functions, such as turning on video captions and selecting the appropriate language.

LL.2 Adapt to New Technology

Learners may feel overwhelmed by the number of new tools they must learn prior to the first day of class. Draw on connections to other technology tools learners may have accessed previously - for example, comparing Zoom calls to a video call on one’s phone.