Web-Based Resources for FLL

There are soooooo many resources out there on the web for teachers. We just have to know where to look. Here are some links to web-based resources that I use in my classroom. And the best thing about all of them is that they are all FREE!


1. Wordchamp.com
I learned about wordchamp last fall, and have been using it ever since. Wordchamp allows you to set up classes and assign homework. There is a web-reader. You can make and/or upload vocabulary lists. Then you can download vocab lists as mp3 files and snyc them with your ipod. There are a lot of options. The most time consuming thing is getting everyone signed up and joined in the right class. I mostly use wordchamp.com to have student built their own chapter vocabulary lists and to practice vocab flashcards and verb conjugations. Plus, it's all FREE!



2. United Streaming Video
Discovery Education provides this web site full of great educational videos. This is a free resource for schools. It is a "digital video-on-demand and online teaching service".
There are tons of educational videos available for the Spanish classroom. Simply do a search for Spanish, and you'll get over 100 videos! I use United Streaming mostly with my Spanish III class and we watch a sitcom-like video called "Extra". It is done all in Spanish and is about a rich American learning to live in Spain and speak in Spanish and all of the craziness that ensues. My students really like it and are encouraged by the fact that they understand what is being said and what is going on.


3. Google Earth
I had heard of Google Earth before, but I'd never experienced it until one random day I decided to download the free application. It's amazing! Google Earth allows you to take trips all over the world, especially the Spanish-speaking world, for my uses. There is even a site with Google Earth lesson plans devoted to Spanish. I had my Spanish III class use Google Earth to plan a virtual vacation to Spain. By setting place marks they were able to save locations and descriptions of their "visit" to some of the most famous historical and cultural centers of Spain.


4. Quia.com
Quia.com is a web site for use by teachers and students alike. Quia allows teachers to create quizzes, games, and web sites for use in the classroom and then share them with the world. If you want to use a quiz or game already created it is free and you just have to search for your subject area. If you want to create your own stuff, it costs $50 for a year subscription. I use this in class for reviewing and reinforcing concepts. They kids enjoy the interaction and competition.