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What to think about when starting development of an online or hybrid course.

You might want to print off the Power Searching quick sheet before starting with this course. "Gaming to learn" - this course is made up of challenges along with tips and tricks and keeping track of how you found things. A good learning challenge!

How to incorporate technology into station learning.

Hi Diane: I am wondering, does your school support iPads for students in your class? or, is it required that they purchase their own. Is this an online class or a face-face class?

We have a classroom set of iPads that are available. Students don't purchase them, the school got them through a grant.

Screencasting app suggestions

Abstract: This paper sets the stage for the articles selected for the special issue "Language learning and social media: (r)evolution?". Starting with some definitions of mainstream terms like "social media", "web 2.0", "social web", "social networking sites (SNS)" and "web 2.0 language learning communities". The purpose is not to "reinvent the wheel" by suggesting new definitions, but to synthesize definitions of mainstream terms and juxtapose them to similar concepts from CALL literature. We then critically discuss three key features of web 2.0 technologies (user participation, openness and network effects). Despite the fact that these three features were present to some extent in technologies prior to social media, we examine whether they take on a radically different meaning in the social media era. Research insights are discussed in the last section of the paper.

A new offering from ACTFL for K-12 language teachers, starting fall 2012 - in collaboration with the University of Maryland University College.

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!

There was a hyperlink to an article about whether we should still teach cursive. Apparently high schools are not doing it any more. My son stopped cursive in about the 5th grade and didn't have to use it and now he is struggling at the university because he can't read when the professor uses cursive in anything, like comments on his papers. I have to print when I leave him a note. Wow, technology is wiping out one of the long-standing activities that took humans decades to develop.

I like the balanced way this piece presents some of the pros and cons of technology in education. Just this week I had a conversation with another educator who has encountered recent studies suggesting a link between handwriting (of any kind) and certain cognitive development. Some schools are now emphasizing handwriting instruction because it helps boost students' academic achievement.

My daughter is 8 years old and she started learning cursive this year. So it must be back! I'm not sure if will help boost her achievement or not, but I'm glad she is learning it. I think the article made a good point about how students today have a short attention span and easily get off track. If they are typing a paper on the computer, for example, they can open a browser and start surfing the web. They don't necessarily stay focused on the task at hand. It is even hard for me sometimes. If I don't ignore email (just put it off until later, I mean), I would never get anything done!

iTalki is a good site for this and it's typically only adults.

Ellen is learning 19 languages and Arabic is to start in September.

No matter which device you choose, recording on an iPod couldn't be easier. Each device has a button that calls up the iPod Voice Memo screen. A click of the iPod's wheel is all it takes to start recording.

move fast! they are - or will be - offering ad-free Vokis to educators to start the new school year. Sign-up here if you're interested - they'll notify you when it's ready. Ooohhhh, just found out that "ad-free" means you have to pay a "small" fee - don't know how much it is yet. I'll report back.

how to develop programming for the mobile crowd - without special tools or technology. Formats, design considerations, aspect ratio and template

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."

This is a review of palabea which provides a good start to those who want to try it. 

Good, succinct info about Palabea. thanks

So, you've got the scoop on Google Voice, and you see how it can enhance communication in your life. What about your classroom? Why not use it with your learners? Let's start brainstorming how you can use the features of Google Voice as an educational tool.

this is so true! I hope to use google voice in the classroom this fall as well :)

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?