Ever since becoming an ESL teacher five years ago, Google Translate has become an increasingly useful tool in my classroom. As the technology has improved, I’ve found more ways for my newcomer students to use it. They can use it to access content, communicate, and become more independent while learning English.
Of course, I don’t want my students relying on Google Translate for everything. The goal is still for them to develop their English skills and become increasingly comfortable using English independently. However, when used strategically, translation can be an incredibly helpful scaffold—especially for students who are brand-new to English.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use Google Translate with newcomer English learners, even though I don’t know a whole lot about technology! All the newcomers that I use these strategies with access Google Translate with their Chromebook and an iPad specifically given to them for translating.
1. Using Google Translate for Voice-to-Text Translation
One of my favorite features is the ability to use Google Translate to translate spoken language.
Students can use the microphone feature to listen to a conversation or classroom instruction and have it translated into their home language. This can be particularly helpful for students who are still developing their listening comprehension in English.
If students are using this during whole-class instruction, I recommend having them sit relatively close to the front of the room so that their device can pick up the teacher’s voice clearly.
I also like this option because students can revisit the translation if they missed something during instruction rather than having to stop the teacher every time they don’t understand.
2. Using Google Translate to Translate Pictures
The camera feature is another incredibly useful tool for newcomers.
Students can take a picture of a:
- Worksheet or Assignment
- Classroom poster
- Presentation slide
- Whiteboard
- Textbook page
- Etc.
Google Translate can then recognize the text and translate it into the student’s home language.
I’ve found this to be especially helpful because I don’t have to translate every single piece of information for every student. Instead, students have a tool they can use independently when they encounter something they don’t understand.
Of course, the quality of the translation depends on the quality and readability of the image, so students may need to retake a picture if the text is blurry, too small, or partially cut off. Also, it is a lot easier for students to take pictures of material with a tablet device vs their Chromebook and then use the Google Translate app.
3. Text-to-Speech
Google Translate can also read translated text aloud.
After a student translates a word, sentence, or piece of text, they can use the speaker feature to hear the translation in their home language.
This can be particularly helpful for newcomers who struggle with reading even in their home language. They don’t necessarily have to be able to read the translated text independently in order to understand what it means.
This can also be useful for students who are stronger listeners than readers.
4. Translating Entire Webpages with Google Translate
Students can also use Google Translate to access websites that are written entirely in English. This feature can be accessed on a web browser.
Depending on the browser and website, students may be able to use the browser’s built-in translation feature to translate the webpage into their preferred language. Google Translate can also be used to translate a webpage by entering the website’s URL.
This can be especially helpful when students are researching a topic and the information they need is only available in English.
For example, instead of avoiding an English-language website altogether, a newcomer could first translate the page to understand the information. Then, they could use the English version to identify important vocabulary or information.
This is a great example of using translation as a bridge to English rather than a replacement for English.
5. Translating PDFs, Worksheets, and Other Documents
Another useful feature- and a tool that I like to teach other teachers who work with ELLs- is the ability to translate documents. This feature can also be accessed on a browser.
Teachers can go to Google Translate, select Documents, upload a supported document such as a PDF, and select the language they want it translated into.
This can be useful for:
- Worksheets and Class Materials
- Assessments
- Forms
- Parent communication
- Other important documents
I wouldn’t necessarily translate every assignment for newcomers. However, for an important document where understanding the directions is essential, providing a translated version can give students access to the same content as their English-speaking peers. It also makes communicating with families a lot easier.
Furthermore, while Google Translate isn’t perfect, and it shouldn’t become a long-term crutch for newcomers, it can be an incredibly valuable tool when used intentionally. It can help break down language barriers, give students greater access to classroom content, and allow them to communicate and work more independently while they continue developing their English. For newcomers, having access to tools like Google Translate can make the transition into the mainstream classroom feel a little more manageable—and help them experience success while they work toward greater independence in English.
Cheers!
Morgan
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read about different ESL activities you can do on the first day of school.