Technology such as the computer is only a tool. Like any tool, it has possibilities and limitations. What most of us don’t think about is that the typical classroom is filled with technology tools that aid in learning and teaching. Pencils, erasers, OHPs, post-it notes, rulers, ball point pens, and even the chalkboard are all technologies. Each of these technologies have in turn revolutionized what could be done in the classroom when they were first invented and used. Think of how useful it was for a teacher for the first time to be able to write on a large chalkboard at the front of the class so all students could see the same thing, add their ideas and be able to save the board for future reference. Wow! Still, you wouldn’t use the chalkboard to write or copy a book that students were expected to read on their own. The right tool for the right job.

Similarly computers are great tools but they don’t solve all our problems. I hope in this series of blog posts to be suggesting specific tools for specific needs. So lets go.

One thing teachers often ask me is “how can I have students practice recording their speaking digitally and send it to me for checking.” While there are many ways to do digital audio, perhaps the easiest way to get started is Vocaroo (http://vocaroo.com/). Simply send your learners to the site and they can “click” to record their voices and listen. I often have my students record several times improving their pronunciation or word choice as they go. Once they are happy with the recording, they can click to save, then send as an email or send a link for sharing. See a screen cast on using Vocaroo here.

For those learning language in the home, Vocaroo can be a great way to send a voice message in your language back to your home when you are away at work or travel. You can even get a response the same way. This would be a great way to extend the language domain of the home to other places when you are not at home.

Easy and simple to use. And best of all its free! Try it yourself if you haven’t yet and let us know what you think. I guess you might like it.

Robert and the NILI team.