Digital Bridges

The Digital Bridges Project aims to use information communication technologies (ICT) to help develop and improve English literacy skills for students with English as a second language (ESOL). The project will also involve students’ families in a supporting role.

Most children with English as a second language (ESOL) have a basic command of it, but often their sentence structure and understanding of context is weak. This can cause their learning to plateau and lead them to disengage from the learning process. 

Using mobile phones, EMACs, email, the Learning Management System (LMS) and video conferencing, the Digital Bridges project aims to build-up students’ English comprehension and understanding through texting and written and spoken communication.

By developing rich, expressive and well-structured written and oral English, the project also aims to keep students in continued and purposeful learning. Being engaged and motivated in learning will assist students to fulfil their potential and participate more in school and community life.   

Parents, whose literacy skills can also be weak, will support their children’s learning by taking part in the project. This opportunity gives parents a chance to improve their English and make them feel more connected to and supportive of the school and community. 

Two Hamilton schools will pilot the project. Students of mixed ethnicities and gender, aged between eight and 12-years will participate in the project. A facilitator will oversee the project and teachers will be include the use of the technology in their lessons.