My current thesis project that I am working on since ETEC 644 has to do with how can technology can bridge the gap in helping English Language Learners (ELL) become more proficient in English. I plan to create a multimedia platform using DVD technology to create a series of programs that will enable students practice and apply language skills in the areas of vocabulary, grammar, and context in everyday situations. These DVD modules would be supplemental and could be used for both home use or extra support in the classroom The three areas that I am looking at and focusing on are the particular emerging technologies that already address this problem, the barriers that prevent ELL students from becoming proficient in English, but also some of the benefits that new technologies could give. I will also look at why technology may not be the answer for these students. In addition I will show how my product will benefit ELL students, more so than other technologies already available.

I have already spent endless hours gathering journal articles. I currently have about half my literature review done. This has been a long, arduous process. I have nearly 50 journal articles. I am not so worried about the thesis part of this project as I am with the actual project. I am not very familiar with many presentation softwares like Dreamweaver or Flash, or others. The only presentation software that I know to some degree is PowerPoint. I don't feel that this would do my project justice. I would really like to have a quality product for my project. I never got a chance to take any of the electives on Flash or Dreamweaver. I wish I had. I don't know if I could get proficient enough to make it all happen. I was also thinking about making my project web-based, but again I am not familiar with web authoring or web page design per se. I sometimes feel that perhaps I should do the thesis instead of the thesis project. I am much better of a writer. I am beginning to feel that I am much more of a researcher than I first imagined. I enjoy looking up stuff, synthesizing the information, and then writing about what I have learned. Any suggestions on what I should do would be most helpful.

I apologize for the tardiness of this blog upfront. Due to some unforseen personal matters I was unable to post until today. I will have my timeline available on my next blog. Thanks for your patience and understanding.