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Despite their spectacular growth in both daily life and mainstream education, little research to date has been conducted concerning the use of social networking sites in foreign language learning. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine the use of such sites to learn a foreign language. Using an auto-ethnographic approach that included self-aware participation, learner diaries and peer debriefing, we investigated the social networking site Livemocha to study Korean from our perspectives as native speakers and experienced teachers of English. Specifically, we focused our questions on aspects of socio-collaborative principles and practice. Results of a grounded, thematic analysis indicate that the site had number of counter-productive pedagogical impediments to language learning that included, for example, flaws in site design. We conclude our paper with suggestions for improved foreign language learning through social networking sites.

Most schools that have integrated laptop computers and other digital devices into learning are not following the paths necessary to maximize the use of technology in ways that will raise student achievement and help save money, a report concludes."We all know that technology does things to improve our lives, but very few schools are implementing properly," said Leslie Wilson, a co-author of the study, "The Technology Factor: Nine Keys to Student Achievement and Cost-Effectiveness," released last month. She is the chief executive officer of the Mason, Mich.-based One-to-One Institute, which advocates putting mobile-computing devices into the hands of all students.

List of podcast resources for ESL teachers and learners. Can be used in many different educational settings.

The ability to speak the foreign language in question can safely be described as the principal objective of learning foreign languages. However, it can often prove difficult to assess your pupils' ability to speak the foreign language in the classroom, as time and numbers often conspire against us.

I've long said that professors who want to explore teaching with technology should begin with a social media tool rather than a Learning Management System. Web 2.0 tools are simple to use, invite student collaboration, and are usually less administratively clunky and complex than an LMS.One of the easiest and most powerful tools is the regular old wiki. Wikis are simply web pages that can be edited by their users. Instead of only carrying content from the administrator, they harness the power of crowdsourcing to create a powerful communal resource.

Experimenting with tech tools to enhance language learning

An ebook that provides a comprehensive guide to Web 2.0 tools in the classroom.

In this 6th article in the EDUCHAOS series Marie Jasinski explores the conative domain  - having the will, striving, intentionality and determination to achieve a goal.  Through an innovator's soliloquy, discover why "going conative" is a critical ingredient in the successful diffusion of innovative practice.

Critique of the role of technology in the classroom and its impact on literacy and numeracy development.

EpCoP learnspace for the e-Portfolio MOOC

Eportfolios are a popular practice the world over.  However, although eportfolios have been in existence for over two decades, the effort to share resources about how to develop, implement, and assess an eportfolio program has been a more recent phenomenon.  What follows is a partial list of such materials.  If you would like to add an item to the list, please send an email to wendebmg [at] gmail [dot] com.  Two references are required for new resources.