TEXT-TO-SPEECH

If you are using your Mac, iPhone or iPad, and you want to train your listening and speaking skills, you can make it talk to you in different ways with it's built-in Text-to-Speech abilities. The easiest one is using the simple text editor TextEdit. Set the cursor to where you would like it to start, and from the Edit menu, select 'Speech', then 'Start Speaking'. You could also open system preferences and go into 'Speech setting' to switch it on. It needs fixing, but still comes in handy. Check out these external links for on-line services with virtual assistants : 

http://imtranslator.net/translate-and-speak/

http://www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/tts_example.php?sitepal

ENGLISH, BABY!

Visit daily for free real conversations about popular culture. Downloadable lessons for iPod or MP4 player. You can chat with people from all over the world or join online forums to practise English while meeting international friends. Cool. Quizzes and vocabulary building lists provided.

READATHON: THE BI-CENTENARY OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

The bi-centenary of the publication of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was celebrated yesterday with a 'readathon' in Bath. Fans and experts read aloud the whole novel in a 12 hour web broadcast, linking up with Jane Austen societies around the world. Have a shot at it. Societal norms have changed since, but given some people are still forced to seek marriages of convenience for economic security, have things shifted so?

SOUNDS, THE PRONUNCIATION APP

Excellent application by Macmillan, both available at Apple Store and Play Store, to help you study, practise and play with pronunciation. Interactive chart included. Premium version available. Clear your voice and have a shot.

SKYPE IN THE CLASSROOM

Check out this project created by Debating Europe to give students the opportunity to debate with fellow students from other European countries, and learn more about the work of the European Union. Register  through facebook to join the Skype lesson called: What does Europe mean to you?. Do you dare to set up your own lesson? Just let me know. I Would love to.

BRITISH COUNCIL ON iTUNES U

Visit the British Council on iTunes U. You can download or listen to a wide range of audio and video resources from LearnEnglish. Over 150 series of podcasts and videos providing insights into British culture, and listening materials  with free activities that you can do on your computer while you listen, or print out and do whenever you want. Food, sports, environment, jobs, there is a large number of topics available. Worth playing on your iPod, iPad or Mac. 

SPLENDID SPEAKING

A colleague of mine has just recommended this website to practise speaking skills for work or University, and learn new strategies for exams like, BULATS CAE, FCE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL. You can download free vocabulary quizzes and student interviews, and watch free videos in YouTube.

LONDON DEBATING SOCIETIES

London was the home of a large number of Debating societies by the mid-18th century, and still is. The Age of Enlightment is well over, but there are plenty of opportunities for attending discussions to polish up your debating skills.The Central London Debating Society is worth paying a visit. Cogers is one of the oldest forums, and Intelligence Squared hosts debates regurlarly with high-profile speakers. Were you a teacher, you would learn how to get your whole class debating, by reading an article by Steven Nolan at the Guardian, and don't miss the guide to debating from the English-Speaking Union. Debate boosts critical thinking, effective communication, independent research and teamwork. Kindly waiting for your rebuttal.

EUROPEAN THINK TANK (EST)

It was founded in 2010 in order to encourage public debate at an international level. It aims for active participation of the young citizens of the EU in European politics, by serving as a platform via which motivated students can develop and share their ideas, react on European news and discuss issues with experts on the field. Check their site out.

GLOBAL CLASSROOMS MODEL UN

Bridging the Education Gap and creating New Citizens, that is the goal of this UN program established to engage students through the exploration on international issues and institutions, cultivating global literacy (including the ability to read critically and communicate effectively in writing), life skills and the attitudes necessary for active citizenship. Over the past decade it has worked in 24 major cities around the world. Find out more about Model UN Conferences, the final event where students show their skills and debate topics on the UN agenda.

GRICE'S COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLE

The English language philosopher Paul Grice proposed in 1975 that in ordinary conversation speakers and hearers cooperate to be understood, and try to avoid ambiguity by attempting to be informative, truthful, relevant and clear. But these rules would mean that humour, puns and tales would become a diversion of his cooperative principle. Basic in Pragmatics. Check out a slideshare in Applied Linguistics (Univ. of Pamplona). Watch a video by Phloneme in YouTube explaining the maxims of conversation.

TOOLS FOR MILLENNIAL LEARNERS

Engaging the newest generation of learners, age 18 to 30, implies a shift from a teacher driven classroom, to a student-driven one. Read Allen & Swindle (2007). Explore the wide range of educational cool tools as Wordle, Screencast-o-matic, Jing, Prezi or Glogster. They will boost your creativity and enhance your writings and presentations with powerful visuals. List your top five tools.