carlatech

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.  

An IATEFL conference presentation where he explains a bit about what he does - makes videos to train ESL teachers to use lots of Web 2.0 tools - and describes his website which you should really explore!!  Lots of (always) free videos to teach you about using tech for teaching. http://www.teachertrainingvideos.com

Another side of using technology.  This site is not about tech use for bullying, but some good information in a general sense.

For K-12 teachers (maybe even post sec?) - a nicely done website that deals with pressures teens face with cyber bullies, sexting, cyber stalking and much more

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.

The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed (i.e., reflective), authentic, and collaborative (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003). The TIM associates five levels of technology integration (i.e., entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation) with each of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments.