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The advantages of using VoiceThread

nice little article on VoiceThread, particularly the part on its advantages is really helpful for people who are new to this kind of technology.

It is a helpful introduction to VoiceThread. In Higher Education we could also give it to the students as an introduction.

I love this site because it comes complete with lesson plans that focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. AND...they are always focused on higher order thinking skills.

Always focuses on the 4 language modalities (reading, writing,listening and speaking)

This is a good read and reinforces why we are all taking a summer technology class.

quite a good read i agree.

An interesting post coming from Gavin Dudeney on why he felt it was time for his twitter to close -food for thought? the opposite side of the coin? Let's discuss!

Jan - I had doubts as whether to add Dudeney's post here - but I decided to do so -to see other people's views-and especially those who have been using twitter for some time now (I am a new user myself). I have the same concerns as you and I happen to respect Gavin's work a lot (I am a little bit biased) as I have had the opportunity to meet him online in courses, read his books etc.

I will check out his books now that you mention that he has some. He seems to be quite commonsensical, which appeals to me. thanks.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! Different countries and different education departments within those countries have social media policies which generally limit the ways in which teachers can use twitter and Facebook with their students.

This is a smart alternative to "friending" your students and keeping school and personal separate. It is very helpful that the author included screen shots in the article; makes it easier to follow the steps.

Thanks for the article. It was exactly what I've been looking for about how to keep my personal life and my students' separate but still be able to use Facebook. The set up steps are very easy to follow.

The cons of using Twitter as a backchannel discussion. The article debates the benefits of a backchannel discussion and negative effects it may have to the overall understanding of the presentation when the listener's attention is split between two activities.

Interesting article. I think I would lose a fair amount of what speaker was saying if I were tweeting as well.

i hope the link works and that i've done this correctly

and in my 4th attempt, I think i've nailed it :)

Twitter has become a powerful tool for community organizers, marketers, and others who want to share and receive information in a fast, friendly environment. It's no wonder, then, that teachers have also found success on Twitter, using the tool to connect with students, share information with parents, and find useful resources. Here, we'll take a look at 100 tools that can help twittering teachers make the most out of this helpful microblogging tool.

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

Abstract: Over just the past decade, online learning at the K-12 level has grown from a novelty to a movement. Often using the authority and mechanism of state charters, and in league with home schoolers and other allies, private companies and some state entities are now providing full-time online schooling to a rapidly increasing number of students in the U.S. Yet little or no research is available on the outcomes of such full-time virtual schooling. The rapid growth of virtual schooling raises several immediate, critical questions for legislators regarding matters such as cost, funding, and quality. This policy brief offers recommendations in these and other areas, and the accompanying legal brief offers legislative language to implement the recommendations.

Here, native Mandarin speakers teach you Chinese as a second language. Audio and transcripts are available on the website. The lessons also place an emphasis on understanding Chinese culture.

Language Teaching Blog

Many of us were discussing how to record hangout privately. This clip would demonstrate how you can do it. A great tool to assess student' oral profiecncey.

blog from PD360 (now called Edivation)  Major topics:  Common Core, Strategy of the Week, Strategies in Teaching, Personalized Learning.

I liked this blog because it seemed to be authentic and though I felt like the author is teaching a different audience than I do, I can relate on many levels. - Garett