CALL_IS_VSL

Photos can stimulate emotions, memories, and discussion. I've used photos, either cut from magazines or the local newspaper, or taken by students themselves, to teach reading and writing both overseas and with middle school students in the US. This blog article has some nice times for using photos to learn language, motivate students, and encourage reading and writing. See the companion article for online photos to inspire.

See related article on using photos to read and write. Photos can be used to inspire writing, but also teach/practice syntax. For example, ask not just what details are seen in the picture (e.g., descriptive writing, universal present tense), but predict what will happen in the future (future aspect, conditionals).

Use this guide to set up your domain and groups for different classes or types of users. Specific, detailed information from Google.

Nik's newsletter is a great resource for teachers to find good tools and tips for use.

SnagIt is a screen capture technology. Here R. Stannard's short video (14 min.) shows 5 was to use SnagIt in the flipped classroom. SnagIt allows you to record the computer screen and the audio as well, so a presentation can use a variety of resources, such as YouTube or a PowerPoint presentation, with your own description, information, questions, etc. NB: This address is Stannard's YouTube channel, which gives access to many other of his videos.

Actually turns out there are 9 channels mentioned. These include amusing ways to teach history, the U.S. presidents, politics, etc. worth a view, especially for middle school students.

Many suggestions for writing topics, applicable to both middle school and higher. Getting ESL/EFL children to understand the pleasures of self-expression and self-definition can be an imortant motivating factor in learning a new language.

Tips by R. Stannard on how to use G-Docs with your students. Includes how to create a Doc in your personal G-Drive. Students do not need a Google account to access your selected documents. For example, students can discuss a question with a table indicating which group students belong to. Students write their answers/discussion within the cell of the table. Once the doc is created, one student can access a computer to put in all the ideas generated by the group, using a shareable link. Google provides an area to shorten the link so it can be written on the board. [Remember, all students could type in the Doc simultaneously, and chat in the margin of a G-Doc.]

This quick intro to Quizlet is a good start up for a porgram that lets the user review vocabulary through quizzes and games. R. Stannard suggests using pre-made flashcards, rather than making your own each time. This video links to several more advanced features of Quizlet.

A follow-on video to the more advanced features of Quizlet: copying cards, editing, embedding, sharing with class groups, creating your own flashcards, etc. R. Stannard recommends viewing the first video before attempting these (link to intro included).

Supporting ELLs by sharing with a second partner. Students need to remember what the first partner said and use their name as they paraphrase. A little like the "Telephone" game.

Very young learners learning about facts vs. opinion in Social Studies. Students create a poster demonstrating what they have learned about American symbols. Video shows relationship to several Common Core standards.

Excellent lesson plan suggestions for this important item in education. Collaborative, creative, connective, communicative. Includes film, print, and online media.

Online Journal

"Tool for creating custom badges to download and use in your classroom. Change the icon, border, shape and colours." It looks like you may be able to uplod a .gif to add to your badge. Worth a look if you want to try something besides Badgr.

"...There is scope to engage the pupils in a structured debate to challenge misconceptions, structure arguments and encourage independent study. Additionally, participating in debates can develop confidence and public speaking skills." A good practice for critical thinking and listening speaking skills. This article does not give classroom tips for setting up debates, but you might want to have a judging panel, and also help students prepare while focusing on the factual as well as the rhetorical side of debating.

Charts demonstrate various content areas and expected depth of knowledge. This is a good blog with many interesting articles.

This regular podcast looks like it might have some useful items -- worth keeping up with. And good listening practice for NNES teachers.

A small app will record from your computer over slides and videos. You will probably quickly run out of storage on the KV cloud and be asked to move to the (paid) pro version. However, this might be useful for students to make their own presentation sound great -- good listening/speaking practice. Students must sign up to use the app, but can share their productions through email addresses. I don't know if it is any simpler or more functional than the built in recording function of PowerPoint, or any of the free recorders like Audacity.

This animation program is purportedly easy to use and Internet safe, also having a blocker for bad words, weapons, and alcohol. No drawing required. A 14-day trial period is probably enough to try it out, but there is a school-license available.