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Wow, just imagine how much calmer the world could be if classrooms were set up to allow for multiple temperaments as well as learning styles?! Also, the think-pair-share concept is fantastic; I've been using the "alone-paired-large group" sequence for language learners in groups since I got my CELTA certification and it's been hugely successful. Nobody wants to be wrong in public, and when learners have a chance to discuss it with a partner first, they are more likely to share their ideas.

You may want to subscribe (top left) to this newsletter from LARC - lots of good tool descriptions!

This is a listing of ways to use social media in the classroom.  

I like what srafuller says about not expecting students to be like we were when we were students. I struggle with that in all the classes I teach, not just the foreign language. I work to be conscious of reaching students "where they are" every day. Not only that, but we need to be conscious (at least older teachers like me) of not teaching the way we were taught!

I really like this article! Simple, to-the-point, useful suggestions for several on-line applications. I tried out Duolingo but was chagrined to find out they don't offer Russian (Ukrainian and Esperanto but not Russian?!). I could, however, study English from Russian, which has several activities (especially translation) that my students can use. Thanks for posting this article!

The writer of the "Cool Cat Teacher" Blog was very impressed by a tech integration specialist who won an award - and tells us all to take a minute to thank our "Bob"s, whoever they may be!

Elementary teachers using wikis for showcasing student work, portfolios, and connecting with a larger audience outside the classroom.

From Richard Byrne's blog: "Own Your Space is a free, sixteen chapter ebook designed to educate tweens and teens about protecting themselves and their stuff online. This ebook isn't a fluffy, general overview book. Each chapter goes into great detail explaining the technical threats that students' computers face online as well as the personal threats to data that students can face online." It's free, downloadable, and it looks to me like it should be read by any student with internet access - and their parents and teachers!!!

Are you ready to receive and make the best use of an interactive whiteboard?

"CourseSites is an online platform that enables faculty members in K-12 and higher education to set up Web-based class sites where they can post course materials, communicate with students, encourage collaboration, monitor performance, and manage grades."

First paragraph: As 21st-century teachers, we are expected to help students master the technological tools they will use in college and the workplace. But in many districts, the one-computer classroom is not extinct. So how can we do a lot with a little? How can we best use limited resources to support learning and familiarize students with technology?" Here are some tips!

Upgrade to Flash Player 10 for improved playback performance. Upgrade Now or More Info. close 79,634 LikeAdd toShare Loading... Sign In or Sign Up now! Uploaded by PBS on Aug 16, 2011 For decades now, people have joined together online to communicate and collaborate around interesting imagery. In recent years, the pace and intensity of this activity has reached a fever pitch. With countless communities engaging in a constant exchange, building on each others' work, and producing a prodigious flow of material, we may be experiencing the early stages of a new type of artistic and cultural collaboration. In this episode of Off Book, we'll speak with a number of Internet experts and artists who'll give us an introductory look into this intriguing new world.

Facebook isn't just a great way for you to find old friends or learn about what's happening this weekend, it is also an incredible learning tool. Teachers can utilize Facebook for class projects, for enhancing communication, and for engaging students in a manner that might not be entirely possible in traditional classroom settings.

Grockit - directions for making one from Nik Peachey

They repealed the law, but now leave restriction-setting up to the district.  Is that any better?

If you are considering using electronic portfolios with your students - here is a review of software available for a school. You might also want to consider LinguaFolio, and just plain wikis as other alternatives.