Tokbox

Tokbox is a service that provides free video calling, video conferencing and instant messaging services through an online application, similar to Skype . Tokbox also allows users to create video posts, to sites such as Twitter or Facebook, that can be embedded on other web sites. Budddy lists from instant message programs can also be accessed by TokBox. TokBox was founded by entrepreneurs Serge Faguet and Ron Hose, and financed by Sequoia Capital and Bain Capitalt.

The number of people that can be involved in a video conferencing at one time is not limited to a few. Up to 20-25 computers is determined by Tokbox to be the useful limit. The video mail can be recorded and sent out as emails to other Tokbox users or to any email address.

As an instructional tool, Tokbox can be used by the teacher to communicate with parents to provide class assignments, progress reports, upcoming events, tec. The instructor can also use this for communicating with students who are absent, to provide the class assignments, provide clarification relative to the assignments, and to provide feedback. It is also an excellent tool for show what a final product should look like or for modeling an activity or strategy.

Students can use this tool to visually communicate with each other, to ask questions about assignments, or just to chat. Students who are less likely to speak up in class to ask questions will find this tool beneficial for this purpose. Tokbox does not require software to be installed to use the video conferencing features. Only one user is required to have a profile to make the call. this user can then send links to other users, through email or an instant message program, so they can join the conference. Adobe Flash is the only requirement.

I learned of this sight from another technology class and I tried it out by sending video email messages to my grandchildren while I was off island. This helped me to stay in touch with them in a more personal way and they loved the idea of seeing their Nani on screen. I also recorded my surrounding s while I was talking so that they could see where i was and see what I was seeing at the time. This helped them to relate to what I was doing and it helped them to feel less distant. using Tokbox from their end allowed them to make comments and to ask questions. The joy of receiving a video email from them was priceless. There are more features that Tokbox offers and tech savvy users can have a lot of fund exploring the possibilities.

Getting to Know You (Lesson Plan)

Class Content: Language Arts

Unit of Study: Writing

Audience:

9^th grade boys and girls of different ethnic backgrounds, different levels of English language proficiency. 11 boys 13 girls. There are 3 new students from the Philippines who have never been to an English speaking school. One student is in a wheelchair but is academically proficient. One student is a special education student who does not have an aide. Students have been in the class for two weeks and are just getting comfortable with each other but don’t really know each other.

State Objectives:

1. Students will gather information about each other using interview-type questions and convert the interview responses into a biographical narrative.
2. Students will publish a newsletter of their narratives that introduces themselves to school personnel, parents and classroom visitors.
3. Students will be use technology (digital cameras, video cameras, computers, scanners, etc.) to incorporate pictures, graphics, and other visuals in their narratives and in the newsletter layout.

Select Media, Materials, and Methods

• Digital cameras for taking pictures
• Computer with a publisher software program for developing the newsletter layout and for downloading graphics, pictures and other visuals. Also for processing the narrative articles.
• Internet access for downloading clipart, pictures, etc.
• Color printer to print narratives and newsletter
• Interview questions
• Writing paper and pens/pencils

(Optional Equipment):

• Scanners for existing pictures that are not downloadable to the computer.
• Video cameras as an option for taking pictures and to document interviews
• Recording devises if available (as in digital cameras, mini recorders, etc)
• Graphics software (Print House, Print Shop, etc)

Utilize Media, Materials, and Methods

The class desktop computers (2) will be used by students to electronically produce their biographical narratives and to input pictures, graphics, or visuals to their narratives. They will also be used to develop the newsletter layout and to format the newsletter for production. Pictures, visuals, graphics that are not downloadable will be scanned and saved for later use in the production of narratives and the newsletter. Several students have personal laptops and digital cameras and/or cell phones with camera features that they are willing to bring to class for this project.

Require Learner Participation

1. Students will be told that they will be interviewing each other to produce a class newsletter that will introduce them to parents, class visitors, and school personnel.

2. Students will be prepped for this activity by using interviews from previous years or from magazine and newspapers which are read and discussed. The writing process (prewriting, writing, revising, and editing will be discussed along with the guidelines for writing biographical narratives.

3. The class will brainstorm interview questions to ask during the interviews. Students will not be limited to the amount of questions they can ask so that they are able to get as much information as possible.

4. Once students have some ideas for interview questions to ask, they pair up and conduct their interviews. They are encouraged to take notes during their interviews so they will be able to remember the information.

5. Students use their notes to write a biographical narrative about the person that makes them come alive to the reader through creative use of dialogue, action, and specific details.

6. Once the students produce a rough draft, they will go through the writing process to produce a final narrative. They can ask classmates to read their narrative and to make suggestions for revision.

7. After the articles reach the final drafts, they are organized to produce a newsletter that is developed and published as a class project. All students will provide input on the layout and design.

8. Newsletters will be shared with parents, school personnel and classroom visitors.

9. An extension to this activity could be the publishing of the newsletter online, creating a class blog, or developing student web sites.

Evaluate and Revise

1. Student performance will be monitored by the teacher.

2. Student narrative will be evaluated using a rubric for writing traits.

3. Students will evaluate the activity and make suggestions for improving the activity

4. Teacher will ask for parent, school personnel, and visitor input on the quality ofthe newsletter.

5 Video Clips - Why Integrate Technology?

Dr. Jackie Cyrus, ED 481 G, shared these five video clips providing food for thought about who your students are and why you should consider integrating technology into your curricula. Indeed, why integrate technology? As much as I've resisted learning the ins and outs of the internet, creating power points, watching YouTube, emailing, I have to quit fighting the future or I will not only shortchange my students, but I will also be left behind by this generation of techies. Even my four year old grandson knows how to "access programs" from the internet. Yikes! I need to keep up!

1) A Vision of K-12 Students Today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8&feature=related

2) A Vision of Students Today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8&feature=related

3) 3 Steps for 21st Century Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yCB4i7GJuM&feature=related

4) Teaching With Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BJNsMURmok&feature=related

5) Microsoft School of the Future
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mug66WnoSk&feature=related

25 Best ESL Sites for Teachers

Click on the link to check out my 25 best ESL sites for teachers. Each site offers a variety of ESL resources or opportunities for accessing ESL resources. Have fun visiting the sites.