carlatech

Helen Barrett is the "portfolio" guru from many years back. This is an interesting view and comparison of various Google docs - to think about ways you might use these apps for a portfolio system for your students.

"the easiest way to communicate and work in groups" - might be good for classes? - communicate via group email, text, and voice messages - host web meetings, conference calls, chatrooms - keep shared calendar - store and edit files in one common folder -poll group in real-time - keep track of group's task, resources

A virtual learning platform that looks very simple to use and can create an environment much like Facebook without the security issues or Twitter exposure

For those of you who have SMARTboards - this looks fun

Might be a useful tool for a class/lecture where students need a place to ask questions that they either can't or won't ask in class.

"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."

A new version of VoiceThread now allows people to browse entire collections of media while making a single unbroken comment.

An example of "how an ESL student can practice her computer skills and her language skills to talk about everyday activities"

Description - from the website "VoiceThread can be used to teach Chinese in a high school setting. Students have to repeat the words and then make sentences with the new vocabulary. They record themselves and they have to be creative. I show the end project in the class and the students love it!"

This is obviously very one-sided, to promote the special characteristics of this system, but interesting, nonetheless.

"Web 2.0 How-To for Educators explores the very best online collaborative tools available today (including blogs, wikis, and social networking) and Web 2.0 applications (Skype, Google Earth, Wordle, and more) that make a difference in education. Using a simple formula for each concept, the book describes what the tool is, when teachers should use it, why it is useful, who is using it, how you can use the tool, and where you can find additional resources. Practical examples from educators around the world offer an abundance of ideas, and the recommendations for further information and comprehensive lists of Web 2.0 tools and applications will be valuable resources as you integrate Web 2.0 technology in your classroom. "

a language teacher talks about using Vokis with his class

blog by a German EFL teacher with tips for integrating technology into English language learning

Some of the more popular web apps for education - which ones of these do you use?

There are a number of FL webquests listed here by grade level. We should check out the tool for making webquests -

and there's a link for "language exchange programs" near the bottom of this article

This looks like a fun app for online discussions - whiteboard, text board, and a board where you can put a webpage and mark it up.  The "audio line" were all busy when I tried it - that would be especially nice - but you could use this app alongside Skype or other voice chat.

All about mobile learning - online conference. Very reasonably priced for a full-day conference - $79

A little background to the LiveMocha language learning social network.

Those of you doing distance learning might be interested in what ANVILL could add to your class if you don't have access to Wimba for voiced activities.