Came across the idea in Carlatech in July, but this article provides multiple ways of implementing. Something you can start doing in just about any class tomorrow!
Created by a secondary school Spanish teacher, this blog is well organized and most of the ideas are adaptable to other languages and other levels. There are at least 3 things here that I plan to try out within the first month of school.
Though some were supportive of the idea of using microblogging in classes, many wrote some variation on what this reader posted: "[This] means you never have to learn to open your mouth. Surely more Twitter is exactly the opposite of what kids desperately need to turn into functioning adults."
This slideshare ppt has some practical ideas for synchronous learning on slides 19, 20, & 21. It mentions the use of 2 FREE tools that are excellent for foreign language use: makebeliefscomix.com & devolver moviemaker. Check it out!
IAnnotate (Mac and Android), and a number of other apps for tablet or laptop can help you digitize your grading routine. This article talks about how iAnnotate is used with DropBox for grading, but be sure to read the comments for other ideas and apps, too.
A subset of blogs on Edutopia dealing solely with issues/activities/debates about the world languages classroom. This site provides thoughtful blogs on everything from technology, to methodological debates, to specific activities, all centered on world languages.
excellent description about teaching to this generation of digital natives, make sure you check out the article highlighted on "the 12 things you were not taught in school about creativity"
How to use VoiceThread 25 Interesting Ways* to use VoiceThread in the Classroom (*and tips) is a VoiceThread offering ideas for lessons on problem solving, collaboration on artwork, video discussions, revision/review, playwriting, poetry, and more.
This to me is very important. There are always a couple students who will never want to participate in class, at least not orally. This will be such a relief to this type of student and I will be happy to count this as a way of participating in the course.
I agree 100% there are many more introverted students that are wary of participating in class discussions, VT allows them to participate more without feeling uncomfortable.
"If you don't have a microphone on your computer, you can use a telephone to comment. If you're in the classroom and don't have either, you can use text if you need to, or webcam commenting.
I like that students have the option of texting their response. Since I tech at a boarding school, those students that are in supervised study hall, may text their response so they won't interrupt others' studying. As long as I inform the proctors and the students don't stay on their devices for too long ;)
This feature is great for those students who are creative and/or love to doodle.
I am collecting examples of how educators are using Voicethread in their classroom or for professional development on a wiki at: http://voicethread4education.wikispaces.com/
Ed.VoiceThread.com, a secure site just for educators and their students
Take note! How are you using your whiteboard?
For those of you who don't have one, would the type of whiteboard mentioned in this article be useful for language learning? How would you use one?
For those of you who DO have a digital whiteboard, how do your STUDENTS use it? Let us know! add your ideas here in a reply!
Monthly webinars on one web 2.0 tool each month. You may want to watch them live, or come back later for the archived recordings. QR codes was done, Flickr in Dec. Ideas for future topics are Audacity, Google Earth, Glogster, Animoto, Prezi, Webspiration, Voicethread, Xtranormal, Jing, and Evernote