I really enjoyed the Backwards Brain Bicycle video. I have seen situations that are relatable to this in my own life. At a prior job everyone used a certain computer program for the majority of their work for several years (it was an insurance claims program). Just as I came to the company, they switched computer systems. I had no problem learning the new system, and using it effectively; the veterans however, had a much more difficult time. I simply had to learn something new, whereas they had to actually unlearn something old while attempting to gain new information. Adding that additional step can make the acquisition of new information much more difficult. I believe this same idea has an effect on ELL students as they make their way through the American school system. It is important that we as educators keep this in mind as we teach our classes.
YouTube videos like this one are a great example of how technology can be used to get people thinking. I believe that the near universal access students now have to the internet, whether through their phones, or some other device, can have a significant positive impact on student learning. In the example of ELL students, it can be especially helpful. Many of the ELL students in my current classes often struggle with some of the vocabulary used. I can remember more than one instance where I was walking around the room, and would notice a student had stopped working on an assignment; when I would ask them if they needed help, they would ask what a word meant, and once the definition was given, continue on task. It must be somewhat embarrassing for high school students to have to ask the definitions of words, especially if they believe that other students already know it, and they are the only one who does not. The inclusion of vocabulary, by lesson, with pictures and examples, posted to a class website, could be very helpful to such students, or all students, for that matter. Not only would this be accessible for any student, but it would be accessible almost anywhere, at any time.
SmarterEveryDay, 04/24/2015, The Backwards Brain Bicycle-Smarter Every Day 133, Retrieved from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0&list=PLbRLdW37G3oMquOaC-HeUIt6CWk-FzaGp&index=2