This is really cool - not sure what I'd use it for in teaching - maps of a country? link to a graphic on the web and you can zoom in and move around in it.
Abstract
"Digital storytelling is a compelling activity for the language classroom. Easy to use for both writing and speaking practice, digital storytelling can be a good way to motivate students to use the language both inside and outside the classroom. Many teachers report high motivation levels, and not only for their students! In this practical article I will briefly outline what digital storytelling is and give some tips on how to get started."
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!
A number of you wanted to know more about Google+ and how you might use this in the classroom. This one is not language specific, but it would give you a good start?
This paper profiles 40 organizations that are blending online learning with brick-and-mortar classrooms. These represent a range of operators, including state virtual schools, charter management organizations, individual charter schools, independent schools, districts, and private entities. The organizations profiled in this paper are not a "top 40" list. Thousands of other schools are currently participating in blended learning and may have superior programs.
I was trying not to follow too many people so I can keep up with everything is being posted, but even for the few chosen ones time was not on my side. I was following Larry Ferlazzo and Silvia Tolisano, but now I am going to add more from the list you shared here. Thank you Alyssa!
This article talks about the ways in which a PLN helped educators eventually connect their classes via Skype. Students might not use Twitter, but Twitter connected educators.
I've shared some of the apps from Niks blog already, there are some really great student and teacher tools for the language classroom and beyond. Short, easy to follow videos explaining each app are really useful. Watch out, though, found just a few links that are broken. Not all apps are free.
25. Create online surveys for research projects. Quickly and easily create online surveys for any research project that requires feedback from others. The answers are saved to your Google Docs account.
Looks like it was published a year ago (from the comment dates - it would be nice if they dated the article...) When did they switch to call "Drive"? =)
From what I understand, Google Docs exist within one's Google Drive in the same manner as your files and applications exist within your hard drive. I think Google is trying to make a distinction between a larger body and the parts within it. For example, I have an icon on my laptop's menu bar that takes me to my Google Drive. In my Google Drive are "My Drive" which contains my files and folders. I can also access my email, files that are shared with me which I have no ownership of and cannot move to "My Drive" folders, I can also access any Google Groups from my Google Drive, but they are not part of my Google Docs. That's my take on it.
Thanks for that analogy. That helps a bit, but my head still swims with the amount of vocabulary bounced around in this tech world. I am trying to understand my OneDrive, SharePoint and things like that, with work having switched to Office 365. I am not liking it so far, because of the learning curve.
If you're not familiar with Edutopia, you should take some time to browse around their site. This is the Technology Integration section, but there is much, much more - very innovative, creative group!
If you don't get the Edutopia newsletters, or haven't taken a look around their site - please do so! They are not all about technology, but have lots of teaching and learning information in innovative ways - and also a section dedicated to technology use!
An archive of article about teaching and learning with technology - not language-specific, but a lot of good ideas. Also a specific section about using iPads (check the tabs across the top).