celly

Last week, The Wall Street Journal wrote about our use of WhatsApp in this past year’s Beginner/Intermediate English Language Learner class.

I was then contacted by Dr. Delia Racines, who told me about the positive experience that she and Ixchell Reyes had using a somewhat similar app called Celly with their English Language Learner students.  I had never heard of Celly, and was impressed that, unlike WhatsApp, it can also be used on a computer where you can see everybody’s messages and is unlikely to be blocked by School District content filters.  I invited Dr. Racines and Ixchell to write a short guest post, along with sharing a link to a lengthier article the two wrote about their experience:

Technology, particularly mobile communication through texting, creates a sense of community among its users. Likewise, infusing technology into instruction that enhances learning creates a sense of community between teachers and students in the classroom, and with students of all ages. Delia Racines & Ixchell Reyes met as Faculty members at USC’s International Academy (formerly “Language Academy”) and, united by their passion for teaching English Learners, always looked for ways to enhance English instruction teaching international English Learners (ELs). They used Celly to create “cells” or groups to communicate urgent information with USC students. More importantly, this could be done by sending group messages without sharing phone numbers or personal information students in class might want to keep private.

The article “Stay Connected: Celly & English Learners” was written for CATESOL to share ideas for using Celly with educators of ELs. Enjoy!

Dr. Delia Racines now serves as an Educational Consultant for Teacher Created Materials as well as a Title I Instructional Coach in Orange County and can be contacted at  DeliaVT00@aol.com or dracines@tustin.k12.ca.us

Ixchell Reyes teaches at the USC International Academy and is an ISTE Emerging Leader. Got questions? Contact her at ixchellr[at]usc.edu

Thanks, Delia and Ixchell!