ESL students use videos to learn

During the latter part of the 2009-10 school year, Jill Coble found a way for her ESL students to learn English without the use of a textbook.

Coble, who teaches at Smyrna Middle, had her students create videos for the Tennessee eTales digital storytelling competition. Even though they missed the final deadline because of testing requirements and having to reformat images in the video, she made sure their work didn't go unnoticed.

She enlisted the help of Johnna Paraiso, Rutherford County Schools' ESL technology specialist, to have the students' work judged by area residents. Paraiso had a friend who donated $200 in cash for prizes.

The theme for the contest was "Heroes." Coble said her students were concerned about whether a hero was a real or fictious person.

"I told them it could be whoever they wanted it to be," Coble said, adding that the entire video and any text students used on screen had to be in English.

"They were so interested in doing the project, they forget they're learning. I was so proud of the growth they'd had," she continued.

Paraiso watched the videos before sending them on to judges. She was impressed by the amount of energy the students put into the project, even after learning they wouldn't be submitted to the state competition.

"Our ESL kids come from so many places and many of them are refugees. For the most part, they poured their hearts into it," she said.

Ibrahim Abbas was selected as the winner of the five students to participate. He, along with the other students, are now freshmen at Smyrna High.

Abbas' video story recalled a day in Iraq when he and friends were playing on the playground. Ten years old at the time, two cars full of men carrying guns began shooting at students. Abbas ran to the corner of the school for safety.

A short while later, a caravan of U.S. soldiers appeared on the scene. One car fled, but troops captured the other.

"They saved my life," he said of the troops. "I am grateful for what they did in my country."

Finishing in second place was Ranger Steven with P'nya Paw finishing third. Honorable mentions were awarded to students Tee Soe and Bway Htoo.