Speaking Assessments Using Google Voice

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend EdCamp Chicago and learn from other educators who are interested in using technology in the educational process.  It was a great experience.  Not only did I learn a lot, but I was able to network with like-minded educators.

One of the sessions I attended was about Google Voice.  I know many language teachers use Google Voice to assess their students' speaking abilities.  I had not really thought too much about it in the past since I have been using Audio Drop Boxes from the Center for Language Education and Research along with Lingt Language at school. However these sites require some type of microphone, so I have only had my students use them at school.  If a student has an older computer, they might not have a built in microphone or own a standalone microphone.  By using Google Voice a student can use any telephone to record.  There is no need to worry about them having a microphone at home.  By signing up, you receive a phone number which students can call and leave you a voicemail.  You can be notified by email or text when a new voicemail is received.  If you would like to save the message as an mp3, you also have the option to do so.  Best of all, students do not even need to remember your phone number.  You can embed a widget on a web page that they can click on to dial the number.  You can also respond, or give feedback to the students, through an email or text message. There is also a speech to text transcription option. However, I plan to use the app to assess my students speaking abilities and therefore would not be using the transcription option.

I suggest you check out the features of Google Voice by watching the video that can be found at this link.  If you need help setting up your account, then I suggest you check out their support page.

Audio for Sites

SpeakPipe is a new service that allows a person to embed a widget that allows visitors to leave voice messages on blogs/websites/wikis. The widget can be used for students to record themselves speaking and then be sent to their teacher.  The site is currently in beta and is free while in beta.  Another alternative that I highly recommended is the Center for Language Education and Research's (CLEAR) Audio Dropboxes.  You can sign up for a free account at the CLEAR website.

Zunal: WebQuest Maker

Zunal is a free website that allows teachers to create WebQuests. The  WebQuests on the site are divided into the following sections: Title, Task, Process, Evaluation, Conclusion, and a Teacher Page. You also have the choice of exporting the WebQuest in various formats such as PDF and Word.  You can also share the WebQuest via Twitter, Facebook, or email.  You will find many pre-made WebQuests on the site.

Free e-book for World Language Teachers

Web Tools for the 21st-Century Language Classroom is a free e-book comprised of the best teacher suggested tips and tricks from #LangChat which is held Thursdays on Twitter. Just go to the CalicoSpanish website to get your free copy.

Apps for Android Users

Not an iOS user? Does your school use Android instead of iOS? Then check out Richard Byrne's new website Android 4 Schools. He is the award-winning author of the Free Tech 4 Teachers blog which I highly recommend.

Welcome to a New Year of Tech

Welcome to a New Year!  I hope to bring you many great resources in 2012.  To start off the new year, here is a resource that all language students need--a dictionary!

In the past I have used SpanishDict.  I also like that it has an app with a Word of the Day and some other neat features. Collins, which has been publishing dictionaries since 1812, has a new beta site for dictionaries in French, German, Spanish, and English.  You can check them out at the Collins website.

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog for World Language teachers!  I am starting this blog as a way to share technological resources that can be used in the teaching of a world language.  My goal is to share a different tool each week. However as a busy Spanish teacher myself, some weeks my schedule may not allow for it. If you decide to follow this blog, I would love to hear from you about resources that you use.  Resources that I hope to share include apps, websites, and web 2.0 tools. 

The first resource I would like to share with you is Socrative.  Socrative is currently in beta.  It is a student response system similar to the student response device systems that schools can purchase.  However Socrative works with any internet capable device (i.e., a phone, iPad, iPod touch, or laptop). As a teacher you create an account.  The site assigns you a room number which your students then log in to in order to complete the activities you assign them. The site supplies the teacher with immediate feedback through a spreadsheet format which is emailed to you. I highly recommend you check it out at: http://www.socrative.com/   My students love it.  Especially the Space Race option.