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"Mission U.S." is an excellent resource for second language learners []. Standard ESL texts use dialogue to focus on grammar and pronunciation. "Mission U.S." challenges students farther. They are visually stimulated by the animation, they establish solid listening skills in their effort to understand what is going on, they can engage in general communication as they explain their choices to others, and they facilitate their critical thinking abilities as they make decisions about what the characters should do. Their conclusions determine the outcome, and this type of an exercise helps to strengthen their personal beliefs. What a wonderful suggestion to develop an after school tech research class to explore different websites to incorporate into the learning process; and then have those students volunteer to teach the rest of the class! Love that. Visit [|http://live.classroom20.com] to see other interesting possibilities for the ESL classroom.

On another topic, every year we begin the teachers' meeting with new policies on how to deal with students who refuse to give up their cell phones and I-pods. (In my building these are still under strict disciplinary violations). You should see how Shelly Terrell http://edupln.ning.com/profile/ShellyTerrell media type="youtube" key="YJ1_yDZs9kk" height="349" width="560" is working to expand technology concepts in the classroom. We truly need to lift the ban and invest in learning how to utilize what the majority of kids already have in their possession. Maybe what we should look into are 'required apps' if students are given permission to carry cell-phones in school. We could tell them that they had to have certain speeches downloaded on their i-pods for history or English classes, before authorizing their use in school. I like the concept of lifting the ban; I just think we need to do a little more research on how these personal devices will affect the listening process. Shelly is leading the way in showing us how to put these devices to valid academic use. See more of her research on http://live.classroom20.com When you see the video above, you will know how she has made mobile devices a part of real world learning. Please view her profile at the address below as well. Wow! https://profiles.google.com/shellyterrell#shellyterrell/about