Attraction of digital writing for ELLs in high school

New language learners are a unique set of people. They've got their own tools and experiences - ones that don't necessarily fit with the standards put forth by public school systems here in the United States. What seems to bring the two entities closer - the learners and their new learning environments - is the digital medium for engaging in classroom tasks. The question remains how to hone their digital skills (or lack their of) to enable them to meet the stardards - or to find their distinct path to demonstrate progress along their learning continuum.