Portraits of the Remote Learning Era Across the US: How Elearning Translation Can Help

 

It is clear that the coronavirus has dramatically altered the way students learn. Roughly 93% of American students have reported using remote learning platforms during the pandemic. However, many students, especially members of the English language learners (ELL) community, have fallen behind as a result of this unprecedented shift in the American public education system. Here are three portraits of remote learning from across America that demonstrate the importance of elearning translation in these troubling times.

 

Elearning Translation Helps Students and Parents Feel Engaged

Working at home definitely makes students feel disconnected. Socialization with other students and teachers is essential for learning. However, with social distancing regulations in place, this is not always possible. According to a recent report from PBS Newshour, one elementary school teacher from South Carolina resorted to sending personalized letters to ELL students in order to connect with her students. Episodes like these are heartwarming, yet they demonstrate a serious need for education systems to communicate effectively with students. Although many ELL students are proficient in English, others have just started their language learning journeys and may need schools to provide translation services for important documents or even webinar interpretation for class meetings.

 

Elearning Translation Can Improve Student Success

The shift to remote learning has also exposed the major inequities that exist in the American public education system. A recent article from the New York Times points out that in New York City, there are around 142,000 ELL students enrolled in the public school district. Despite the great reputation of New York’s public education system, many students are falling behind in their studies, mostly due to the fact that they are not able to immerse themselves in the English language in their homes. However, along with increased English classes, elearning translation provided by top elearning content developers could help students catch up in classes they struggle with, thereby helping students recover from the effects of the pandemic and get back on track.  

 

Translation Can Help Boost Students’ Mental Health

Finally, elearning translation can help boost students’ mental health. It’s no question that the pandemic has greatly affected people’s mental health, especially for students. For instance, in a PBS report, one administrator in Illinois expressed her concern for immigrants and refugees belonging to the ELL community who already suffer from psychological trauma and other mental health issues. Cases like these should serve as a wake-up call for school officials everywhere. Without proper outreach to non-English speakers through the elearning content development process, an entire generation of students is likely to fall behind, inhibiting their ability to succeed. Hopefully, with time, America’s public schools will recover and ELL students will get back on their feet.