What Are Some Benefits of Online Learning for ELL Students?
Apr 30, 2025 | by Keshia Case, Secondary Humanities Teacher & Student Success Coordinator
English Language Learners (ELL) are students whose first language is not English. They come to schools in the United States with different levels of language proficiency.
Online learning can be a perfect match for ELL students.
Here are some reasons why:
Students can learn at their own pace.
Teachers can help customize their language instruction.
Online learning can help to reduce anxiety.
Schools can offer personalized learning tools.
Students will have a flexible schedule.
There’s more time to practice language skills.
Stronger family bounds are created when students learn at home.
Teachers provide organized assignments that give parents a better understanding of what is being taught in the virtual classroom.
More opportunities for small group instruction.
Here are some ways teachers can assist students in the virtual classrooms:
Visual Aids–A picture is a 1000 words is really important to language learners. Giving students visual prompts can bridge the gap and learn new vocabulary.
Sentence starters–Teachers can give students “sentence starters” to help guide them in discussions. Sometimes students can struggle with what to say. Giving them a sentence starter can help them to begin conversations with their classmates.
Adjusting reading levels–No two students are exactly alike. Reading levels can be adjusted to meet the needs of ELL students.
Pre-learning Vocabulary–Teachers can send home new vocabulary early to ELL students so they have more time to become familiar with the material they will be learning in the classroom.
Differentiated instructions–Seeking ways to modify curriculum to meet the needs of ELL students is key to integrating ELL students into an English speaking classroom. Teachers can adjust assignment lengths or due dates for their ELL students.
Do you have an ELL student at home?
Parents can offer the following supports to their students at home:
Encourage your child to read in any language! Reading is a fundamental part of any learning process. Have books in both languages available in your home.
Learn with your child! Learning with children creates lifelong bonds. Show your children how important it is to try new things. Talking with your children in the new language provides them with a safe space to try new things. Change the language in your favorite family television program or movie and watch together. Play games in English to make language learning fun.
Put labels everywhere! Seeing words on objects can help your child make a visual connection to the object around them. Use blue painters tape (it removes easily) and if they are old enough have them write the words to able objects around your home. Next, play the game: “What is that?” “That is a…”
Here are some online resources for parents of ELL students:
Colorin Colorado https://www.colorincolorado.org A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners
Unite for Literacy - www.uniteforliteracy.com Free digital picture books with audio narration in multiple languages.
Storyline Online - www.storylineonline.net Watch celebrities read children's books aloud to build listening comprehension and vocabulary.
PBS Kids - www.pbskids.org Educational games and videos for reading, math, and science, designed for young learners.
Starfall - www.starfall.com Interactive phonics and early literacy games. Great for grades Pre-K to 2.
TalkingPoints for Families - www.talkingpts.org/families Is an app that translates messages between teachers and parents in 100+ languages.
Want to learn more about how Colearn can benefit your ELL student?
Colearn has a team of dedicated teachers and staff that want to help your ELL student begin the process of online learning.
Here’s what they have to say about their work with ELL students:
"I work with ELL students one on one. I teach them English words and they teach me Spanish words. We both learn from each other. It's a lot of fun working with them. I find games that I can use to reinforce the lessons in Spanish so that they can use what they have learned from their own language and in English. This helps them to learn the connection between the words they are learning and their meanings, and how to use them in a sentence in English."
-Colearn Reading Specialist
"Working with ELL students has been deeply rewarding for me as a teacher. I get to learn alongside my students. I can develop a personalized plan that can meet their needs. As the student becomes more fluent in the language, the bond between teacher and student increases. I want students to know they're in a safe environment where mistakes are rewarded because that is the process of learning."
-Colearn General Education Teacher
At Colearn, we provide resources to help students on their learning journey. We provide support to parents who are guiding their students towards academic success.