The Use of Digital Educational Technology and Third Spaces with Foreign-Born Latinos

ABSTRACT

This article addresses the concept of educational third spaces that move beyond the paternalistic concept of a teacher as a font of knowledge filling the empty vessels of the students’ minds, especially for foreign-born Latino (FBL) students. These students often struggle and lag behind their native-born peers as they master the new language of instruction while acculturating to a new and challenging environment. However, as digital natives, current elementary FBL students have the potential to empower themselves via the use of educational technology. In organic third spaces, educational technology can foster active learning and personal empowerment.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital natives
• education
• foreign-born
• Latino
• third space

Notes

¹ The term “Limited English Proficient” or LEP is used by the Pew Hispanic Center reports. However, it should be noted that this term is problematic due to the fact that it denotes that the student might have limitations on multiple levels, including their cognitive abilities. More inclusive terms, such as “culturally and linguistically diverse individuals” (CLD), have been introduced and adopted by entities such as the National Education Association.