Mod12: Podcasts and Lesson Planning

Ever since I got my first ipod I have been interested in podcasts.  I have enjoyed all different types of podcasts; language, comedy, international news, how to, and even free audio books!  What I have enjoyed during this Mod is exploring the world of podcasts for educational purposes.  I enjoy using authentic examples when working with more advanced students, it encourages them to use their real life experiences in the classroom.

The podcast that I found is an introduction and brief history of the American Civil War. I think it would be a great introduction to this topic in class.  It could also be used as a grammar exercise for the the past tense. Another way it could be used is to answer a teacher generated question sheet such as a cloze sentences, or writing out specific date or numbers mentioned in the piece.

There are many interactive learning activities to be done with podcasts.  The above mentioned are just a few of my ideas... what are your ideas?!

Mod11: eMails, ePals and so much more!

When I first heard about ePals, I was excited about the idea of the opportunity my student would have to be able to "write" to their own personal ePal.  What I didn't realize is how much MORE ePals has to offer.  After exploring the site, I think it is am amazing teacher resource and very user friendly. 

I like that ePals has partnered with National Geographic to create collaborative global  projects.  One of the best thing about these projects is that they are already standard based and they offer suggestions such as how much time you should spend on the project, paring options, modifications, and customizing.  But more important than all those FREE fun suggestions is this (you may want to sit down for this)... FREE LESSON PLANS.  Not only are they free but they have so much detail, and other outside resources to draw from, all right there on the site!...If your heart is now pumping with excitement, you are not alone.  But lets not wait any longer to check it out here!

There are so many other great interactive, tech savvy  applications to take part in.
It is nice that they use a format which all students can participate in form K right through till 12. 

I hope to be able to aid my students in finding ePals, and maybe along the way find an ePal teacher as well!