OTAN News

Scaffolding Language in a CTE Class with Technology

Posted on 05/29/2025

Written by Yecsenia Castro, OTAN Subject Matter Expert

Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes are full of hands-on learning and real-world applications, but sometimes students struggle with technical vocabulary and the academic language needed to succeed. This can be especially challenging for English Language Learners (ELLs) with limited literacy skills. To ensure all students can access the content and succeed, teachers need to scaffold language effectively. Scaffolding language means providing support to help students understand and use language they’re not yet fully comfortable with. It's like building temporary support structures to help students reach higher levels of understanding and communication. Technology can make a big difference and offers a wide range of tools that can make this process more interactive, personalized, and student accessible.

Here are five simple, effective ways to scaffold language in your CTE class using tools you may already have.

Use Visual Supports and Multimedia Tools

One of the most effective ways to support language development in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is through visual learning. Breaking down complex processes using videos, images, and interactive slides allows students to better understand content—especially when technical language might be a barrier. Many learners, particularly English learners (ELs), benefit from seeing procedures demonstrated rather than simply hearing about them. Teachers can take advantage of platforms like YouTube, Edpuzzle, or Screencastify to create videos that walk students through skills step-by-step. Adding captions, audio narration, or embedding questions into the videos reinforces key vocabulary and ensures students are actively engaging with the material. The video presentation Teaching with Youtube highlights the power of video in instruction and offers guidance on integrating multimedia to enhance student engagement and comprehension.

For example, when teaching students how to wire a light switch in an electrical course, you might show a YouTube video that provides clear, captioned visuals of each step in the process. Then, follow up with a Google Slides presentation that includes a slide for each step—complete with labeled diagrams and brief, easy-to-understand descriptions. This type of visual breakdown helps all students—and especially ELLs—grasp technical procedures while building familiarity with terms like “hot wire,” “neutral,” and “ground.”

Additionally, using tools like Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint to incorporate images, diagrams, GIFs, and embedded audio instructions can make lessons even more accessible. These multimedia presentations allow students to engage with content in multiple ways, which supports comprehension and retention of both language and technical skills.
Integrate Language Learning Applications

Vocabulary development is essential for success in the CTE classrooms. Students must not only understand technical terms but also be able to use the vocabulary accurately in both written and spoken communication. Digital tools like Quizlet, Kahoot!, and Flippity offer engaging, customizable ways to reinforce vocabulary through games, flashcards, and interactive quizzes. These platforms provide students with repeated, low-stress exposure to essential terms, helping them build fluency over time. These strategies can be seen in Teaching with Technology lesson plans such as Memorizing Nursing Vocabulary with Quizlet and Flippity: Games and Flashcards, demonstrating how digital tools can transform rote memorization into meaningful practice.

For students who need additional language support, apps such as Rewordify can simplify complex texts and offer in-context definitions, making reading materials more accessible. Tools like Duolingo can supplement classroom learning with general language development practice, helping English learners strengthen their foundational skills.

For example, in a culinary arts class, a teacher might create a Quizlet set that includes terms like “sauté,” “julienne,” and “mise en place”—each paired with an image or audio clip for pronunciation support. Before a hands-on lab, a quick Kahoot! review can reinforce key terms in an engaging, competitive format. These simple activities help students master the terminology they’ll need in both academic and real-world contexts.

These tools are particularly effective when used to preview vocabulary before introducing new content or to review terms after a lesson. By integrating vocabulary practice into regular instruction, CTE teachers can boost student confidence and ensure that language doesn’t become a barrier to mastering technical skills.
Leverage Speech-to-Text and Translation Tools

Helping students express their ideas clearly is essential in any CTE classroom—especially when language barriers may prevent them from demonstrating what they know. Not all students are comfortable writing or typing technical reports or project reflections, particularly those who are still developing English proficiency. Fortunately, technology offers practical solutions.

Speech-to-text tools, such as Google Docs Voice Typing or Microsoft Dictate, allow students to speak their responses instead of typing. This helps them focus on communicating their ideas without getting overwhelmed by spelling, grammar, or keyboarding skills.Teachers can also use Google Docs Add-ons to embed visuals and interactive elements directly into documents and presentations, as suggested in Best Google Docs Add-ons for Teachers.

For example, in an auto tech class, a student might struggle to write a reflection about their oil change lab. By using Google Docs voice typing, they can simply talk through the steps they followed and the challenges they encountered. They can then edit their transcript with support, focusing on clarity rather than perfect language. If the student is still developing English skills, a tool like Google Translate can help them understand the reflection prompt in their home language first.

Translation tools—including Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or browser extensions—can provide real-time support for students navigating new vocabulary or instructions. Teachers can further support language development by offering bilingual glossaries, translating key terms, or allowing students to submit assignments in both English and their native language during the early stages of instruction.

By integrating these tools into classroom practice, CTE teachers can reduce language-related barriers and give all students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking—regardless of their English proficiency level.
Encourage Collaboration Through Digital Platforms

Collaboration is an essential element of most CTE programs, reflecting the teamwork found in real-world industries. Technology can amplify these collaborative opportunities by giving students more ways to share ideas, reflect on their learning, and engage with peers—especially those who may be less confident speaking in front of the class. Tools like Padlet provide a flexible, low-pressure platform where students can contribute to class discussions using text, audio, images, or video. This multimodal approach supports a variety of learning styles and gives all students—particularly English learners (ELLs)—a chance to participate meaningfully.

For example, in a construction class, after students complete a framing project, they can post photos of their work along with a short written summary on Padlet. Classmates can then respond using sentence starters such as “I noticed…”, “I wonder…”, or “One thing I learned is…”. This approach not only encourages thoughtful reflection but also helps students practice using technical and academic language in a real-world context.

These platforms give ELLs time to rehearse and refine their language before sharing with others, which reduces anxiety and builds confidence. To further support participation, teachers can model sentence structures, provide language prompts, or offer scaffolds like word banks and exemplar responses.

By incorporating digital discussion tools into your CTE classroom, you create an inclusive environment where every student has a voice and the opportunity to learn from one another. Formative Assessments Web-Based Class Activity outlines how to use platforms like Padlet and others to check for understanding and promote student interaction.
Provide Structured Templates and Sentence Frames

Writing is an essential part of CTE learning, whether students are reflecting on hands-on activities, drafting project proposals, or completing digital assignments. However, many students—especially English learners—may struggle to organize their thoughts or use appropriate language without guidance. Providing structured writing templates helps scaffold both thinking and language use, making writing tasks more accessible and meaningful.

Templates that include sentence starters, transition words, and technical vocabulary banks can guide students as they work through their ideas. These supports help them focus on the content rather than getting stuck on how to begin or how to phrase their thoughts.

For example, in a health science class following a CPR training session, you might provide a reflection template with prompts such as:
- “The most important step in CPR is…”
- “I would improve my performance by…”
- “A medical term I learned today is…”
These sentence frames encourage students to engage with technical concepts while building confidence in their writing. They also support oral communication, making it easier for students to discuss their learning in pairs or groups.

Embedding these templates within a learning management system (LMS)—such as Google Classroom or Canvas —ensures students have consistent access, even when working remotely or on their own time. This structure promotes independence while maintaining the support students need to succeed. The article, Best Google Docs Add-ons for Teachers also includes template tools that enhance writing support across content areas.

You don’t have to implement every tool or strategy all at once—start small. Choose one technique to try, and see how it works for your students. Over time, you’ll create a learning environment where all students—regardless of their language proficiency—can thrive and feel confident in both their communication and technical skills.

By adding technology into your scaffolding practices, you’re not just supporting language development—you’re building a more inclusive, engaging, and effective CTE classroom. These tools help students fully participate in hands-on, career-focused learning while developing the vocabulary and communication skills they’ll need in the workplace. Ultimately, you’re preparing every student for success—not just in your class, but in their future careers.

Resources:

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OTAN News

Scaffolding Language in a CTE Class with Technology

Use Visual Supports and Multimedia Tools

Integrate Language Learning Applications

Leverage Speech-to-Text and Translation Tools

Encourage Collaboration Through Digital Platforms

Provide Structured Templates and Sentence Frames