CALL_IS_VSL

A nice set of resources, mainly downloadable apps, for teachers to use with their classrooms.

"This is an alphabetical list of websites where you can learn a language online. Some sites provide content; others community; and a number have both. Some sites focus on learning one specific language, others cover a number of languages. Thanks to all those who have contributed to this list. " A huge number of free sites for many different languages--many would make a good supplement to classroom activities

"Compiled on 17 October 2010 from 545 contributions from learning professionals worldwide" - If you like lists, this is it for 2010

"The readability index is a bit coarse, but it is helpful none-the-less. The index use a simple ranking of "basic," "intermediate," and "advanced." In order to sort by readability you have to open the advanced search tools then select "reading level" from the drop-down menus." This blog entry has some screenshots to help understand the process.

"There are ten tasks and they can be done in any order, except for the tenth one which should be last. Please feel free to use and share these tasks and by all means leave any comments or suggestions for improvement. I will also be hosting a teacher development week using and discussing these tasks and the related tools from 7th to 15th December 2009 on the SEETA Moodle site: http://www.seeta.eu/ so by all means come along for that if you want to share ideas and learn a bit more together." These ten tasks are a nice resource for teacher trainers, or if you are a teacher and want your students to try out one or more of the tools (not all of which are really Web 2.0 tools, BTW). I've used most of these before, but it is a pleasure to use them on the IMac Intel-based with very high speed Internet. If you hit this site before December 2009, do join the SEETA discussion at their Moodle.

"The Taxonomy of Effective Teaching Practices, described in the book Teach Like a Champion, is a collection of instructional techniques gleaned from years of observations of outstanding teachers in some of the highest-performing urban classrooms in the country. Developed by Uncommon Schools Managing Director Doug Lemov and Uncommon teachers, this set of specific and concrete actions, paired with a library of over 700 video clips of highly-effective teachers in action, has provided teachers nationwide with actionable tools to drive greater student achievement and a shared language to discuss and support teacher effectiveness." This particular page has a set of videos demonstrating the small, but crucial techniques that make a good, effective teacher int he classroom.

Terry Freedman is a British Educator who likes project-based learning, and this FREE pdf file has doezens of projects for students and adult learners of all ages. Includes a great list of Websites and resources used, that is worth the donwload in itself.

You enter a Twitter name and open a video chatroom. "What else can Tinychat do? Quick and easy video conferencing. + Make video chatrooms instantly + Host small or large groups effortlessly + Control your room and moderate + Save and customize your room + Embed on your own web site"

Easily adaptable to any level of student. Lots of content-based ideas too.

This teacher blog offer teachers the oppportunity to add more suggestions and ideas for lessons. Uses both low tech and higher tech ideas.

"Learn English online with the help of this free website from the British Council with games, stories, listening activities and grammar exercises. You can search for your favourites, or have a look at the site map to find out where everything is. This is a BETA site and you will find lots of new listening activities and video content in Listen & Watch. We also have a new Grammar section and new IELTS exam practice materials. Click here to return to the 'old' LearnEnglish website. Double-click any word to see a dictionary definition. You can contact us if you have a question or want to report any problems. Become a member and you can add comments to the site and ask questions to get help with your English." This site has thematic/situationally based videos.

Homepage of Yaho Reinders. "If you have an interest in innovation in education, in the role of technology, in Learner Autonomy and Self-Access, or in Teacher Education and Second Language Acquisition, you have come to the right place. On this site you will find articles, research reports, bibliographies, a blog, and many other resources. You can also find information about engaging me as a speaker at your conference, or for (staff) development projects."

This is an amazing resource for teaching high school/adult ed. It is video-based and free--individual students can sign in, or a teacher can register a whole class and keep records of their activities. There is an excellent explanatory video for teachers also. Lots of listening/speaking/reading practice.

A nice online way to creat a book or photo story with your students. The booklet can then be published on FaceBook, tweeted, or emailed, or embedded on a website. Might be an inspiration to write more, and it can handle pictures.

"# To get familiar with the learning gains that can be achieved by using movies,TV shows, and documentaries as learning tools. # To implement strategies to approach movies and TV shows as learning tools. # To maximize the learning gains out of a variety of web tools."

"Stupeflix is a REST web service that turns your pictures, videos, and text into professional videos." Looks interesting! You can add video to your Website from here.

"Create flashcards Create your own flashcards with two clicks. You can use different styles (bold, italic, red/green colour, underline). Add pictures to your cards easily. Study flashcards You can study your cards alone or online with your friends. Just use Skype or the integrated chat functionality and see how easy it is. Information about learning in a team Print flashcards Print individual flashcards or all of them in two steps and learn them offline wherever you are. Teamwork You can comment on each flashcard, track the status of your knowledge, track changes, study online with friends and send messages to them. Publish flashcards You can publish your flashcards. Everyone who receives the link to your cards can import them to their account." Flashcards as a social networking tool! This is a nice way to have students create their own good study habits, and there is an iPhone App available too You can also search for flashcards made by other students. Better than Rosetta Stone.

Very nice collection of screencasts to show how to use Skype for instructional puyrposes. (I think this is by Grham Stanley, though it is on Russel Stannard's site.

This site is all about grammar, so it may be of help to your intermediate-advanced students. There will be quizzes based on songs intervies, and commercials, and links to Jennifer's ESLvideos on YouTube.

"The old black and white movies which you can watch on bnwmovies.com are either public domain films or in other way legally shared. These old movies are thus free to watch and download by the public. Search by letter, year or genre to find the best old movies. You can watch all black and white films on this site for free. While not all old movies have download links, you can legally download free black and white movies whenever you see a download link below a movie. "