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Interesting discussion of lecture as an instructional tool. It's not a condemnation or affirmation, but a discussion of appropriate use.  Lecture is not evil, but anyone using lecture as the main mode of information sharing should look at doing their own homework on how students learn and how to most effectively (notice I didn't say efficiently) convey information. 

University lectures available online from all over the world, including MIT, Harvard, etc. Not necessarily great lectures all the time, but great sources of information and sometimes great examples of lecture done well.

Video lectures from universities across the country. Lecture is not the most engaging format, but a great resource for those interested in exploring topics in more depth on their own, but not a great model for engaging presetation for 60-90 minutes.

Great set of resources that might be interesting to people who want to explore some topics on their own, or want to include some aspects of the lectures in their classes. I think there is a HUGE potential for using this content some how.

Video The world is rapidly changing due to a growing number of videos featuring innovative and creative people through the public realm of the Internet. Appearing from lectures, talks, conferences, debates, symposiums, and interviews, you will be moved by exciting, progressive, and thoughtful free videos of hundreds of men and women across the globe. Technology now allows us to listen to these people via the many websites below. Not just videos but lectures, talks, conferences

"Stacey Roshan is using an approach dubbed by her students as the "backwards classroom."... The students watch pre-recorded lectures the night before the class, when homework problems are traditionally done, then spend the time in class getting answers to questions, working on additional problems with partners, and getting one-on-one assistance from the teacher. No more lectures in class." from The Backwards Class, by Dian Schaffhauser, THE Journal, 02/02/11

Using the arts to teach biology. Stanford instructor records 5 raps that describe different aspects of his biology curriculum for his students. I'm not sure they are incredible examples, but they do set a tone that music can/will help students understand/remember the material more effectively. It's not for everyone, but is another example of differentiating instruction for those who need/want/like to receive information in different formats. Why does the format have to be lecture? (My pessimistic response is that the lecturer learns best by that modality therefore dictates that others should learn that way!)

another example of looking at the transmission of data from teacher to student differently in the age of technology. Teachers must realize that it's not just saying the information, but allowing students opportunities to interact with the material, and in lecture situations, teachers must create opportunities for students to interact. In high school, especially, it is important that teachers understand the model that they are used to doesn't work and that they must prepare students to be able to take valuable notes that in which they make connections to.

Backchannel tool geared to provide more student interaction during lecture and direct instruction. Has profanity filters for those concerned about student comments in an open environment. Provides instructors immediate feedback and students engagement in a uni-directional teaching environment. 

The top ten breakthroughs of 2008 by Popular Mechanics is an incredible list. There are several that have potential impacts on education including the Amazon Kindel and the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen. I am fascinated with the smartpen, because I think it makes taking notes in a lecture setting potentially multidimensional (I can take my notes graphically, but also record what the instructor is saying about those notes).

From Free Technology for Teachers, "FORA.tv is similar to Big Think in that it presents videos relevant to topics in the news and in the public conscious today. The videos feature well known personalities and experts talking about the important issues of the day. You will also videos of debates, press conferences, and public meetings."

new conversation app for education. I haven't played with it yet, but am interested in learning more. Anybody using it?