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Have you ever wanted to learn a second language? I have always wanted to learn either French or Italian, but once you are out of school, unless you happen to be able to move yourself to another country and immerse yourself in the culture, it isn't an easy thing to do. Sure, you can spend a fortune on expensive software like Rosetta Stone, or the slightly more affordable Fluenz, but it still takes dedication and time in front of a computer… Because for the most part, they only work on a full computer with a microphone, hardly convenient for being able to pick up any time. The answer, instead, is the 100% free Duolingo software, which runs in a browser… Or on your iPad, iPhone, or any Android device. Did I mention how free it is? Completely! In fact, they will never charge for it, because they use the platform for tuning machine learning and translating the web. The really great thing about this app is that it works by gamifying the learning process - as you advance through the levels, you earn points and you can unlock new levels. Each level builds on what you learned in the last one. Each level switches between a number of learning methods… In some, you will see a phrase and be able to pick the words to translate it from one language to another, and in others you will write them out. In some, you will listen to the voice speak the sentence, and others you have to speak to the app. It all works amazingly well to teach you a little at a time. In my case, I will be getting married to a French girl in two months, and we are going to Paris for a while… And this time, I want to be able to speak the language. You can even add your friends to the app to track your progress against them. My username is lowellheddings, so if you want to learn French, feel free to add me and keep me on track. Note: just search the App Store or Google Play for duolingo to install it. Or go to www.duolingo.com and access in your browser.

* Over 1,000 non-fiction reading passages with associated text-dependent question sets, leveled using the Lexile framework (http://www.readworks.org/books/passages) * 100's of easy to use lesson plans that help you explicitly teach comprehension to K-6 students (http://www.readworks.org/lessons/grades) * All reading passages, question sets, and lesson plans are research-based and aligned with the Common Core State Standards * Student Handouts, Graphic Organizers and Teacher Materials that can be easily downloaded and printed for your use Visit ReadWorks often for new non-fiction reading passages, question sets, and lessons. We're always adding more resources to help make your planning easier.

Great article on using Calibre for organizing all those pdf files you use for teaching..

Screen Leap is a free screen sharing service that I recently learned about through a post by Vicki Davis. To share your screen using Screen Leap just visit the site, click "share your screen," enable the Java applet, and send the sharing code to the person you want to view your screen. The person receiving your invitation code will be able to see your screen when you have Screen Leap activated.  Applications for Education  Screen Leap could be a handy little tool for those times when it is easier to show someone how to do something than it is to tell them how to do it. I'm thinking it could be particularly useful when you're trying to walk someone through setting up an account on a new-to-them web service.  Here are some other screen sharing services you might want to try:  Quick Screen Share  Join.me  Big Marker

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