Web+2.0+Tools+for+Listening+&+Speaking

**The following are links to resources and web 2.0 tools that can be used for listening and speaking activities.

Presentation Tools: ** [|Voice Thread] With VoiceThread, group conversations are collected and shared in one place from anywhere in the world. All with **no software to install**. A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds [|images, documents, and videos] and allows people to navigate pages and leave [|comments in 5 ways] - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). [|Share] a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too. Users can [|doodle] while commenting, use multiple [|identities], and pick which comments are shown through [|moderation]. VoiceThreads can even be [|embedded] to show and receive comments on other websites and [|exported] to MP3 players or DVDs to play as archival movies.

Voki Voki is simply a talking voice character. These animated characters or avatars enable users to express themselves on the web with a voice but as a talking character. You can customize your Voki to look like you or take on the identity of lots of other types of characters--animals, monsters, anime etc. You can even have your Voki speak with your own voice by adding your voice with a microphone, upload, or by phone.

**Resources & Lesson Plans:** Learning Through Listening The website is for educators in grades K-12 and its purpose is to provide quick access to lessons and information that focuses on developing //listening// **...**

**Podcasts:**


 * [|iTunes] Free software for Mac and Windows can be used to publish your podcast no matter how it is created.
 * Apple's [|GarageBand] software makes it easy to record, edit and transfer your podcast to iTunes
 * Learning In Hand-
 * [| Podomatic] Create and distribute your podcasts here.
 * [|KidCast.com] Find, create and store your podcasts here; podcasts are reviewed before posting. A safe site for kids.
 * [|Gabcast.com]Another free service that allows you to record a podcast using your phone or VoIP.
 * [|ReadtheWords.com] Will read from word processing files, webpages, or almost anything. [|Powered By ReadTheWords.com]
 * [|PodSafe] Music and other tools for your podcasts
 * [|Podcasting](pdf) - Overview of podcasting, student planning sheet, teacher introduction, ideas for student-created podcasts that support classroom technology integration, links and resources.
 * [|Podcasting Booklet] Download a free 32-page booklet, //Podcasting for Teachers and Students// by Tony VIncent of Learning in Hand fame from this page and then listen to a podcast -->
 * [|Podcasting in Education Video Series] A three-part series from Apple.
 * [|TechEase Print Video Tutorials (Mac)] and [|TechEase Video Tutorials (Windows)] Includes instructional videos on podcasting and podcasting tools

**ESL, Bilingual, & Translation Tools:** Lingt //Lingt// helps people learn the massive number of vocabulary terms required for basic competency in a foreign language. Read The Words (English Only) An easy to use platform, that allows users alternative methods to process written information. Type in any text and it is read aloud. Text-To-Speech Translator Type in text, then have it translated and read aloud. Can be translated in many languages. Lingro "Lingro lets users read Web sites and click on any word for a translation. The new Web-based service works in English, Spanish, Italian, German, French and Polish. The site uses open dictionaries, so users can help fill in missing words. e-Learning for Kids An interactive, cross-curricular site for students in English, Spanish, French, Netherlands, and Portuguese.