Artifact # 5
Web Translator- http://world.altavista.com/ Translates words from English to Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, German, and French, and vice versa.
Context
I was referred to this web site by a Spanish major who found it to
be very effective in translating one language to another. I tried
introducing it to an ESL (English as a second Language) child who was having
difficulty with his work in English.
Impact
Due to the growing numbers of children who are entering into U.S. schools
not knowing how to speak sufficient English, the need for translators is
growing. To have human translators at every school for one or two
ESL children is not very feasible, so the use of web translators comes
into effect. The translators may also be used to send letters home
to parents who are not able to speak fluent English.
Alignment
Many children who are ESL students are bright but if they don't properly
understand the language then their comprehension of assignments as well
as their grades may be at risk. Using a web translator can accomplish
many goals for the teacher in the area of the ESL student. Letters
home to parents may be converted into their language and students may work
on papers in their language and convert to English until they gain a better
grasp on the language. Finally the teacher can use the translator
to learn a few key words and not only greet the child in their language,
but can have the child teach the rest of the class some words in their
native tongue. (VI B) This
site can be used to help the entire class learn and practice the language
of thier foreign speaking classmate. These things will help the class
and the Spanish speaking classmate to feel more at ease with each other.
They may do entire projects in Spanish as part of a unit on a Spanish speaking
country. (VI C)