Online Degrees

Now that we’ve established the importance of learning a foreign language, let’s take a look at some resources that will help you learn and practice. Of course, textbooks and word drills are important as you learn, but even more valuable is practice listening and speaking the language. These podcasts will help you hone your listening skills and increase your proficiency in no time!

Spanish

1. Audiria

Audiria offers daily podcasts, which you can search by topic (songs, grammar, culture, books, etc.) or category (short phrases, idioms, vocabulary, tips, etc.). Each podcast includes a text file so that new learners can test their listening and their reading skills (and to double check accurate listening comprehension). Content is organized by difficulty level, and users can also register with the site to track learning. Other useful resources are offered through the site, including a wiki book and associated exercises.

2. Voices en Espanol

These conversational Spanish podcasts are meant to help those learning the language and those who want to become more fluent. Each podcast is accompanied by a short reading selection — often a bit of fiction or part of an essay. Between the podcasts and the accompanying blog, Eleena also offers reflections on various topics and interviews people of interest. You can also toggle the language on most pages for an English or Spanish text, depending on your level of proficiency.

3. Notes in Spanish

Choose from three levels of learning — inspired beginners, intermediate, and advanced — and listen to podcasts designed for your needs. There are worksheets available to help you learn the concepts, and podcasts can be listened to on the site or downloaded to your computer or mp3 player. A store and blog are also available on the site, as well as the free 12-page report, “Kick-Start Your Spanish.”

4. Espanol Podcast

Each of these weekly podcasts is accompanied by a written guide to read along with as you listen. Episodes have fun titles and scenarios, such as “My Ideal Man,” “Chimpanzee Brother,” and “Work Addict.” There are also episodes that cover puzzles, riddles, funny stories, grammar, vocabulary, and more. Listeners can choose to download episodes or listen to them online. The whole site is in Spanish — an added challenge — and there is an accompanying blog.

5. LdeLengua

This multi-faceted podcast is great for both learners and teachers. Learners can listen to it and test their skills, challenging themselves with advanced content. Teachers can learn much from the interviews with educators and other experts, as well as the discussions about Spanish education. Many of the podcasts discuss different tools and instruction methods, such as using technology and social networking for education. The entire site is also in Spanish.

6. My Spanish Connection

This Spanish survival guide is focused on travelers who want to learn basic conversational Spanish when visiting a Spanish-speaking country. Episodes often focus on a specific situation or need, such as what to say if your car breaks down, phrases for the supermarket, and vocabulary for emergency situations. Podcasts are often accompanied by a list of vocabulary or transcripts. The site includes a blog, and the author has plans to add a video podcast segment and interactive apps through iTunes.

7. Rolling Rs

This series of video podcasts help both auditory and visual Spanish learners: users can listen to the lesson and watch host Larry Keim write notes and vocabulary on a white board. Some episodes are very specific (such as a lesson devoted to the word “prestar,” which means “to lend”) or focused around a central point or lesson (such as a lesson on the past subjunctive). Other episodes are more general, covering broader topics such as informal Spanish, conversational Spanish, helpful phrases, and more.

8. Lingus TV

These video podcasts are presented as a parody of a television sitcom. Subtitles are provided, and supporting materials explaining grammar and vocabulary on included on the Web site. There is also a transcript of dialogue.

9. Study Spanish

These Spanish grammar podcasts are available to stream on this site or can be downloaded to your computer or mp3 player for portability and convenience. Only two podcasts are available for free; the rest are only available to premium members. The premium membership costs $9.95 per month, or $39.95 for six months.

10. Web Spanish

Beginner and intermediate learners can find useful podcasts here to help them practice their listening skills. Each podcast is labeled according to difficulty, and each covers a different language lesson, such as using the imperfect subjunctive, future perfect tense, and prepositions and adjectives. You can download podcasts or stream them from the site. There are also many more audio files on the blog, which has weekly lessons that include current events, key vocabulary and commentary.

French

1. Learning with French-Podcasts

Students of French can hone their skills by listening to these interviews and discussions of various subjects in French. Some episodes are more specific, and are targeted at vocabulary or pronunciation. Each podcast includes a transcript and translation, and users can search podcasts by category.

2. Daily French Pod

Most episodes of this podcast discuss a topic in the news, and are accompanied by a learning guide and transcript. The site includes grammar and vocabulary lessons, as well as supplementary exercises. The podcasts are free, but users must become members of the site to access all the materials.

3. French Etc.

This inclusive site has several podcasts devoted to learning French: one focused on a word or expression of the day, two for advanced learners, and two for beginners. There are four weekly podcasts, and additional materials such as worksheets are available. Users can sign up to become members for premium content.

4. French LingQ

French LingQ promises that you can “dramatically increase your vocabulary so you’re comfortable and confident in any situation.” Podcasts offer content for all levels of learners and topics include language basics, conversational French, social interactions, greetings, and much more. Transcripts are also available.

5. Fancy French

These podcasts offer a free online learning course that uses the Manesca method, which teaches formal, literary French. All episodes are free to listen to on the site or to download, but a small donation is requested.

6. Learn French by Podcast

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners can find lessons tailored to their needs in these podcasts, which cost a fee. Each episode includes a guide. Users must become paid members to access content.

7. Learn French with Alexa

This podcast includes 15 lessons aimed at beginning students of French. Episodes include a support sheet for lessons learned in the podcast. The site has not been recently updated with new podcasts, but the archives are still available for beginners starting out at any time.

8. Loic Le Meur

Techies interested in learning French will love this podcast. Episodes have nothing to do with learning French — they are focused on news and discussions about technology and computers. However, the whole podcast is in French, and for those who are interested in technology AND French, they offer a perfect combination and an interesting way to practice your French listening and comprehension skills.

Italian

1. Learn Italian Pod

These weekly podcasts each include transcripts, dialogue, a glossary and a quiz. Users can search by categories such as learning level, “five minutes a day,” culture, and more. Paid members have content to additional premium content.

2. Max Mondo

Users must register for free access to these podcasts, which cover topics such as dialogue, humor, film, and more. The site has a lot of additional content to support your Italian education — much of it premium content that is available for a fee.

3. Pastacast

This easy language-learning blog features a variety of episodes covering basic language concepts. Some topics include personal pronouns, numbers, pronunciation, spelling and letters, prepositions, and more. Perfect for beginners!

4. Let’s Speak Italian!

Each weekly lesson includes a review of key vocabulary or concepts. Users can directly download podcasts from the site. Also available are the first 100 lessons — either on CD or for download. The archives cost $15 and include all 100 episodes.

5. Survival Phrases

Going on a trip to Italy and want to learn how to order from the menu or ask for directions? This podcast can help. You must register in order to access the first 10 lessons, and the remaining lessons are available to members only. A lifetime membership costs $24.99.

6. English 24

This podcast begins with English phrases from American or British commentators (either political figures or those featured on newscasts) and then offers the Italian translation. The translation also offers discussion about the nuances between a literal translation and a more natural translation.

7. Ad Alta Voce

What better way to learn Italian than to read from some of Italy’s most respected writers? Whole novels are read aloud on this podcast, strengthening both listening and comprehension skills.

8. Il Gastronauta

Learn about Italian culture — and practice your listening skills — with this podcast about Italian food and wine. You won’t learn language drills, but you will gain valuable insight into Italian culture and learn from the everyday use of the language.

German

1. Pukka German

“Pukka,” as defined here, means “genuine, authentic, top notch, the bees knees.” These podcasts promise to teach you “TRUCK LOADS of cool German words and phrases and … HIP to the STREET LINGO that your German teacher was too SQUARE to teach you!” This includes slang, idioms, and common words and phrases. This is a fun, user-friendly site that is sure to rev up your German practice.

2. My German Class

Clark Shah-Nelson has been teaching online German since 1999. His video casts offer fun scenarios to teach basic German language and grammar. The site also offers online German courses, for different prices. The courses include additional materials, including transcripts in English and German, quizzes, and discussion forums.

3. Learn German with this Free Podcast

The name says it all. Each podcast includes a German lesson that focuses on basic vocabulary and grammar. Blog posts are also included among the podcasts, and they are often in German, adding a reading comprehension component to your learning. There are also occasional video podcasts, transcripts, and language exercises.

4. German Grammar Podcast

Podcast host Laura aims to teach German learners what eluded her proper understanding of the language for so long until she mastered it: Grammar. In addition to podcasts on standards such as adjectives and pronouns, there are also tips and tricks. Each podcast is accompanied by an explanatory blog post that highlights some of the main points.

5. Young Germany Podcasts

The Young Germany Podcast includes a “starter kit” with some of the most important German phrases for beginners, as well as a variety of listening and speaking exercises for more advanced German learners.

6. German LingQ

Here’s another great podcast from LingQ — this one focusing on German lessons for all levels of learners. Transcripts are also available for each episode. Users must sign up for a free account to access the materials on the site.

7. Slow German

For true beginners, this podcast offers slow-paced lessons that are meant to be easier to hear and understand. Additional materials are available — for a fee — that include important words and translations and multiple-choice tests. The site is entirely in German, so the beginners that is hopes to attract will likely need to use a site like Babelfish to navigate it.

8. A Flavor of German

Intermediate to advanced speakers can learn idiomatic German with this 10-minute podcasts. Episodes can be purchased through iTunes or in the Web store.

Chinese

1. Chinese Lessons with Serge Melnyk

This site offers theme-based, progressive lessons, which host Serge promises “means that you can start from ‘zero’ level and after completing this course, you will be able to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese on the variety of topics.” Each lesson builds on the one before it. There are also transcripts and worksheets, but users must subscribe to access them.

2. April’s Mandarin Podcast

Formerly the Learning Mandarin Podcast, this site offers several topical episodes that discuss news, health, science, and other issues as a means of strengthening Mandarin skills. Users have the option to have transcripts mailed to them for a monthly fee of $1.99. There are also links to useful resources.

3. Popup Chinese

Each episode is labeled according to the level of learner, and there is a short narrative attached to each episode. Podcasts are topical and feature discussions rather than lessons. Users must sign up for an account to gain access to the site, including additional learning materials such as flash cards and charts. An account is free.

4. Learn Chinese Pod

These beginning Chinese lessons cover basic vocabulary and simple concepts such as pronouns, use of the possessive, and rules for asking questions. All of the podcasts and transcripts are available to download for free. There are also links to lots of useful resources for learning the language and the Chinese characters.

5. World Languages Podcasting

These podcasts offer up conversations in Chinese about Australian culture. Practice your Chinese and learn about Australian culture at the same time! Transcripts are available for each episode, but they cost $1.99 to access

6. Chinese Pod Cast

There are dozens of conversational Chinese podcasts available here. Episodes are topical, and each is labeled with key words, functions, and learning level. The site also offers demos, a variety of more advanced courses, and training for business settings.

7. E-Chinese Learning

These podcasts offer beginner, intermediate and advanced Chinese lesson plans. Episodes focus on useful, everyday Chinese, such as how to order dishes in a restaurant, or how to talk to members of the opposite sex. The site includes much more learning material that is available for a membership fee, but the podcasts and their transcripts are available for free.

8. CSL Pod

There are sections here on language learning, pinyin (Chinese characters), culture and games. You have to sign up for a free account to access most content. Lessons can even be translated into English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.

Japanese

1. Learn Japanese Pod

Native Japanese speakers record these podcasts, which focus on everyday, conversational Japanese. Topics include ordering coffee, asking someone on a date, adjectives and color, going to the doctor, and much more. All podcasts and the archives are free, and there is a user forum for further discussion.

2. Japan Cast

These free video podcasts are produced in HD and focus on everyday conversational Japanese. Examples are taken from Anime and popular culture to make the content more relatable. There are also recommendations for other study resources.

3. Japanese Lessons

NHK World presents these lessons, which focus on important phrase and vocabulary through the use of conversation and scenario. There are also useful resources provided to support your language learning.

4. Learn the Japanese Language

There are podcasts included amongst extensive blog posts, all related to learning Japanese. Lessons focus on specific vocabulary and grammar rules, as well as situational phrases and language. The site is easy to navigate with an extensive sidebar of categories so that you may find the lesson that most suits your current needs.

5. Japanese Pod 101

Users must sign up for a free account in order to access the content on this site. These conversational podcasts are designed for busy adults who want to learn Japanese in a fast and efficient manner.

6. The Japanese Page

Beginning and conversational phrases are the focus of these podcasts, which include supplemental show notes highlighting important concepts. The site has not been updated in some time, but the archives are still available and useful for beginners.

7. Japanese Listening (Advanced)

This challenging podcast features natural Japanese speakers talking at a normal speed (read: fast) and using everyday expressions (read: slang). However, there are transcripts available, as well as English translations, so students can check their comprehension.

8. The Japanese Learner

This blog and podcast focuses more on how to learn Japanese than it does on actually teaching Japanese. Still, students of the language will find much useful information here by way of helpful ideas and resources. There is also a good bit of discussion about Japanese culture, always helpful when learning a new language.

1. The Wild Classroom

The Wild Classroom presents video podcasts that can also be downloaded for classroom use. Scientists and graduate students from around the world contribute to the podcasts. The site also offers lesson plans and useful links.

2. This Week in Science

This weekly podcast provides an overview of news and happenings in science from that week. Pocasts are available by download through iTunes or through streaming. TWIS also promotes a book of the month and shares science videos.

3. The Sounds of Science

The National Academies Press presents this podcast, which are 10-minute biweekly episodes that focus on the work that the academy is doing. Issues cover science, engineering, and medicine, and key findings and recommendations are presented.

4. The World Science

The BBC, PRI, and WGBH offer these podcasts with “global perspectives for an American audience.” The weekly podcasts discuss scientific news, and subscription is available through iTunes, RSS, or e-mail. Some recent podcasts discussed biofuels, lead recycling, and gene therapy.

5. Brain Science Podcast

Dr. Campbell, an experienced emergency physician, hosts this podcast about discoveries in neuroscience. Podcasts aim to reach a general audience, and Dr. Campbell “believes that understanding how the brain works gives us insight into what makes us human.” Some recent podcasts cover pop psychology myths, glial cells, and alzheimer’s disease.

6. The Naked Scientists

Here you’ll find “science radio and naked science podcasts.” Some recent podcasts include “Where does phlegm come from?” “Cosmic Climate Change,” and “AIDS to conquering HIV.” You can subscribe to or download podcasts, and receive a transcript of them. In addition to the podcasts, the site also offers articles, experiments, kitchen science, and much more.

7. Science Update

You can choose from a weekly or a daily update and can subscribe via iTunes or other podcasters or e-mail. The weekly edition premiers each Friday and is about five to 10 minutes, while the daily update is a one-minute “morsel of science.” Podcasts cover the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine.

8. Slacker Astronomy

Podcasts discuss all topics related to astronomy, and interviews with researchers in the field are often featured. Podcasts can be streamed or downloaded. The site also includes a blog and cool Slacker Astronomy merchandise.

9. Microbe World

Microbe World offers a number of podcast channels, including This Week in Virology, The Podcast for Microbe Lovers, Mundos de los Microbios, Meet the Scientist, and This Week in Parasitism. Each has different subscription options and parameters, but they all offer a fascinating look into different aspects of the world of microbes.

10. Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions

The American Chemistry Society presents this podcast, which attempts to identify the “most pressing sustainability challenges, and explore the solutions emerging from chemistry.” Podcasts are available by subscription from iTunes and RSS. Listeners can also download complete transcripts.

11. The Groks Science Show

This weekly show is broadcast on radio stations throughout the country and is available as a podcast. The shows cover recent events in science and technology and discuss how they impact daily life. Each show also includes an interview with a leading scientist, researcher or industrialist.

12. Lab Out Loud

Two high-school teachers produce this blog, which focuses on science for the classroom. Each week, the hosts discuss science news and science education, and they interview leading researchers and experts in the field. There is also a companion blog.

13. Science and Society

Podcasts cover a wide range of issues, including environmental issues, medical research and breakthroughs, nanotechnology, space exploration, robotics, computer science and science education. Users can search podcasts by category and can download episodes of interest. There are also numerous resources on the site for researchers and educators.

14. Skepticality

Sometimes science has to find truth by determining what isn’t true. This podcast takes a critical look at pseudoscience such as the paranormal, UFO reports, astronomy and more. Complete show archives are available since the show’s inception. There is also a forum, extensive show notes, and more.

15. A Moment of Science

These daily two-minutes vignettes are available as audio and video podcasts that answer questions such as “What do bicycles, footballs, and space shuttles have in common? Can you really learn while you are asleep? Why do some birds hop and others walk?” Users can listen to, download, or subscribe to the podcasts, and archives are available back to 2003.

16. Science Snaps

This partnership project trained a number of Scottish scientists to produce science podcasts, which are available here. The hope is to give scientists a place to talk about the work they are doing that has not yet made it into the mainstream media or news outlets. Podcasts are available by subscription.

17. The Merseyside Skeptics Society

These podcasts take a look at scientific issues with a skeptical eye. Some recent discussions consider evolution denial, magnetic feet, the Man in the Moon, and much more. Episodes can be streamed or downloaded.

18. Futures in Biotech

This podcast explores issues and developments in biotechnology through discussions with leading scientists and researchers. Shows are available on YouTube, as well as iTunes. The site also hosts past shows, transcripts, and a show wiki.

19. Astronomy Cast

The planets, space exploration, constellation, space history, and more are explored in this weekly podcast. An extensive archive of shows is available, and users can browse shows by topic. Podcasts are available to stream or download.

20. Absolute Science

This weekly podcast “digests the best stories of the week and highlights the science that makes these stories tick.” Some recent podcasts have included “Sex in Space,” “The Language of God,” and “Video Games: The Next Drug for Cancer?” Each podcast includes show notes or a transcript (or partial transcript), and users can download or subscribe to podcasts.

1. Elements 2.0

This app puts the periodic table right at your fingertips. You can also look up the melting point, appearance, atomic radius, and other characteristics of the elements. This is a handy guide or study tool.

2. Handy Calc

Turn your phone into a sophisticated calculator with this app. It has advanced and scientific calculations, and there is an intuitive feature built into the app to help predict what you are looking for and provide it for you.

3. Science Pal

This free application offers useful scientific terms and information, including the Periodic Table, constants, polyatomic ions, the solar system, and nuclides.

4. Deluxe Moon

This handy app includes a widget that shows you the phases of hte moon, as well as animated zodiac circles. Other features include a browsable moon calendar, automatic GPS locations, and moonrise time. You can also explore moon astronomy and astrology. Only $4.77.

5. Taber’s Medical Dictionary

Here is a comprehensive app and reference tool that includes over 60,000 entries, 1,000 illustrations, and 30,000 audio pronunciations. The app allows you to bookmark content and link to related entries. This authoritative tool doesn’t come cheap: It costs $49.95 to download the app.

6. AgileSciTools

This advanced calculator is specifically targeted to those studying the biological sciences. There are functions to calculate molarity dilutions, cell dilutions, MOI calculations, and primer resuspension volumes. And if you can understand what any of those are, then this is probably the calculator for you.

7. Science Facts

Learn interesting and remarkable facts about science with this app. You can use the information to learn something new, to refresh your knowledge, or to impress your friends.

8. iSoundSmart: Science

Learn a fun new fact about science for each day of the year. With so much information, you can easily use this app far beyond the year, and rediscover the information the following year.

9. New Scientist

Read the publication New Scientist right on your phone. The app helps you stay up-to-date on all the latest stories from this respected news weekly.

10. Science Quiz

You and your friends can quiz each other’s science knowledge with this fun and handy app. See how you stack up against your friends, or use it to quiz yourself for a refresher.

11. The Science of Mind

This app offers “a complete course of lessons in the science of mind and spirit.” This application is free.

12. 1001 Science Trivia Lite

The free “Lite” version only has just over 300 trivia questions, not 1001, but there are still enough questions here to test out your knowledge and help you learn more about science. The full version is .75 pounds.

13. Metal Detector

Find metals of most types to use in your experiments by turning your phone into a metal detector. The app will detect most metals, but it can’t pick up on aluminum. Who knows, you may get lucky and strike gold on your search.

14. Ghost Radar

Hearing things that go bump in the night? This app can turn your phone into a ghost detector, so you know for sure whether those strange noises are celestial or just a couple of alley cats. The app picks up on nearby energies NOT EMF or gravity. Some may argue that this is more parapsychology than science, but even paranormal investigations fall under the larger umbrella of science. Even still, the app is for entertainment purposes only.

15. Space, Android, Science, Planet

This fun app helps decorate your phone with a space theme. Icons include aliens, space shuttles, satellites, stars, planets, and the sun. There are also fun menu icons and a space background.

You’ve finally decided to start a blog — either for classroom use or for professional development. Or maybe you’ve been blogging, but you want to take your blog to a new level. Here are some of the best tools to help you manage your blog and make it the best it can be:

1. Echo

Embed this software on your blog and create a live stream of comments and other user activity on your blog, raising the profile of your site and its popularity. Echo can also stream activity on Facebook, Twitter, and other social-networking sites.

2. Animoto

Create video slideshows to include on your blog, which can also be used in the classroom. This is an education-based site, so you must apply with your project in order to get the code for your blog.

3. Polldaddy

You can create surveys and polls to post on your blog with this free service. You can also collect the responses in real time. There are upgraded plans with more features that cost a fee, but the free plan should cover basic needs.

4. VoiceThread

Use this software to create multimedia slideshows that can include images, video and documents. It allows allows users to leave comments in a variety of formats, including doodling.

5. Spellery

Check the spelling on your entire blog with this handy spell checker. Type in the URL and the suspect words will appear in red.

6. Google Analytics

Get detailed information on traffic to your blog and the effectiveness of your strategies to bring in readers. You can customize reports to choose what date you want to see.

7. 21 Classes

Use this free tool to host and manage blogs for your students. You can create a class homepage and then manage and review student blogs, which are also fully featured.

8. Jiglu

Create tags across your blog content to help readers link to previous entries and other related content of interest. You can manage the tags yourself, or allow the software to do it intuitively.

9. Wufoo

This free web tool allows you to create all kinds of forms for your blog, including polls, invitations, contact forms, registration forms, and more. Make your site more interactive with this easy tool.

10. Technorati

This extensive blog directory can help you find other blogs to connect with, or it can help you promote your blog.

11. Website Ribbon

Create your own custom banner for your blog, whether for advertising or to promote your favorite cause. You could also use it to highlight new content or special activities taking place on your blog, such as a contest.

12. Lab Pixies

Don’t let Google have all the fun! Liven up your blog with all kinds of fun widgets, such as games, maps, calendars and more.

13. Thingamablog

This standalone application can be used to create and update blogs on several platforms. Make custom templates, manage content, and more with this free download.

14. FeedBlitz

Get more out of your RSS feed with this tool, which lets you send posts directly to readers’ e-mail addresses. It also has other useful blog tools, such as a blogroll.

15. Add This

Know those little icons on the bottom of a web page letting you know where they are on Twitter, Facebook, Diggit, MySpace, and everywhere else on the web? This tool will give you your very own icons to promote your presence on the web.

16. Buttonator

Liven up your blog with fancy buttons with your choice of font, colors, and styles. Don’t rely on simple hyperlink options for your various blog sections; create eye-catching buttons for your content.

17. Bananr

Bananr makes sharing your photos easy by allowing you to enter your Flickr ID, then providing code to upload them to your blog. This is a very handy tool for sharing photos that are useful for lessons, or for sharing photos from classroom trips.

18. Gliffy

Add technical details to your blog with this tool, which allows you create charts, diagrams, flow charts and more. A free trial is available.

19. Posterous

Posterous is a multitasking tool that allows you to share blog posts on all of your social-networking accounts. Spread your content to all of your accounts with one click of a button.

20. A Teacher’s Guide to Fair Use and Copyright

Not sure about how much you can quote from other works? Want to use a picture but don’t know if it’s in the public domain? This handy guide can help you navigate the rules for using content from other sources.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. You can’t study and work all the time. Sometimes, you need to take a little time to relax and have some fun to recharge your energy. Burning the midnight oil too regularly will also burn up your motivation to do anything productive. When you need a little pick me up, or just some tunes to get you excited about being back in class, check out this playlist to get your feet tapping:

1. Rock n Roll High School by The Ramones

Shake off the stress of study by yelling out these lines: “I just wanna have some kicks. I just wanna get some chicks. Rock, rock, rock, rock, rock’n'roll high school!”

2. Campus by Vampire Weekend

Pine over unrequited or lost campus love with this indy anthem: “Then I see you, you’re walking cross the campus — cruel professor studying romances.”

3. High School Never Ends by Bowling for Soup

Feeling fed up with the “he said, she said” crowd, the cliques, the race for popularity? Channel your frustrations with this song: “Four years you think for sure that’s all you’ve got to endure: All the (total dicks), all the stuck-up chicks, so superficial, so immature. Then when you graduate, you take a look around and you say ‘Hey, wait! This is the same as where I just came from. I thought it was over. Aw, that’s just great.’”

4. Hot for Teacher by Van Halen

We all had little crushes on our teachers over the years. Well, maybe not quite like this. “I think of all the education that I’ve missed, but then my homework was never quite like this!”

5. Punk Rocky Academy by Atom and His Package

Channel your inner-punk rock hero and escape from the humdrum of tests and homework with this song: “I had a dream when I was in high school that I attended the Punk Rock Academy.”

6. Be True to Your School by the Beach Boys

It’s easy to grumble about your teachers, the rules, and all the homework you have to do. But try to remember why you are in school in the first place, and show a little pride in your alma mater. “So be true to your school now just like you would to your girl or guy. Be true to your school now and let your colors fly. Be true to your school.”

7. High School by Superchick

Very similar to “High School Never Ends” by Bowling for Soup. High school is a microcosm of the rest of society, in many ways. “Cuz high school (high school), could be (could be), a mini me of the rest of society.
There’s always (always) a prom queen (prom queen). There’ll always be, always be celebrities.”

8. School Day by Chuck Berry

“Up in the morning and out to school” — a famous opening line that makes you want to jump out of the bed and jump into your school clothes to start the day. Let this feel-good song get you feeling good about going to class.

9. Don’t Stand So Close to Me by The Police

Teacher-student lust becomes immortalized in song. It’s a good reminder to any students — or teachers — who feel the temptation. It will only end badly! “Loose talk in the classroom. To hurt they try and try. Strong words in the staffroom. The accusations fly. It’s no use, he sees her; he starts to shake and cough just like the old man in that book by Nabokov.”

10. No Such Thing by John Mayer

Relive your teen angst and buck the system, fueled by this song. “Well I never lived the dreams of the prom kings and the drama queens. I’d like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve. They love to tell you
‘Stay inside the lines.’ That something’s better on the other side. I wanna run through the halls of my high school. I wanna scream at the top of my lungs. I just found out there’s no such thing as the real world –
just a lie you’ve got to rise above.”

11. The Wall by Pink Floyd

This classic of teen angst urges students to break free from the system. Listen to this when you need to channel your frustrations. “We don’t need no education. We don’t need no thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom. Teachers leave them kids alone.”

12. Starfish and Coffee by Prince

Relive the nostalgia of grade school and first crushes with this sweet song from Prince. “It was 7:45, we were all in line to greet the teacher Miss Kathleen. First was Kevin, then came Lucy, third in line was me. All of us were ordinary compared to Cynthia Rose.”

13. Principal’s Office by Young MC

Here’s another song to help you relive the nostalgia of your younger school days, remembering the daily routines that made up your day, from the bell ringing to raising your hand in class. “Now as I get to school, I hear the late bell ringin.’ Runnin’ through the halls, I hear the Glee club singin.’ Get to the office, I can hardly speak ’cause it’s the third late pass that I got this week.”

14. No. 29 by Steve Earle

Get an injection of nostalgia during the off-season, or rev up before a game, with this sweet song that remembers school football games. “I don’t follow rainbows, big dreams, brass rings; I’ve already captured mine — back when I was No. 29.”

15. Sadie Hawkins Dance by Relient K

This tradition may not get much attention anymore, but school dances are a fixture of academia, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And this depiction of school days still holds true: “Scan the cafeteria for some good seating. I found a good spot by the cheerleaders eating. The quarterback asked me if I’d like a beating. I said that’s one thing I won’t be needing. And since I’m rather smart and cunning, I took off down the next hall running.”

1. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

Dan Carlin takes a sharp look at historical events and asks probing questions such as “Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras?”

2. History According to Bob

Professor Bob Packett tries to bring history to life by telling stories about the people who were a part of some of the most significant events in world history. The Civil War, Napolean, and the Great Gaulic Revolt are just some of the topics covered in these podcasts.

3. Matt’s Today in History

Take a look at a historic event that happened on this day. Each podcast is 5 to 10 minutes and provides a short story of a historic event. Everything from “before the Roman Empire to the fall of Communism” is covered here.

4. Teaching American History

This subscription-only podcast provides a weekly seminar on teaching American History. Teachers are encouraged to use primary source material in the classroom, and the podcast discusses ways that teachers can engage students with the material.

5. Historyzine

Jim Mowatt discusses a variety of historical topics, with a recent focus on the early 18th century and the War of the Spanish Succession. There are also segments that include Linguistic History Trivia, reviews of other history podcasts, book and film reviews and interviews with history writers.

6. Binge Thinking History

According to this podcast, “History is a myth agreed upon.” Posts explore historical events from all different time periods and regions, and there are brief summations of each episode listed beneath it.

7. My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

This podcast discusses the ways in which history and politics converge. Some episodes discuss the British political structure, what U.S. politicians “should have been” elected president but weren’t, the religious beliefs of the founding fathers, and more. Archives are available for a fee.

8. Everything Lincoln

Renee Gentry is an author and independent scholar who studies Abraham Lincoln. Her podcasts discuss the 16th president, including his family, his physical features and more. Podcasts are free.

9. WWI: Experiences of an English Soldier

This podcast tells the tale of William Henry Bonser Lamin, an English soldier born in August 1887. Bring the history of this war to life through a first-person telling of the events.

10. Military History Broadcast

These podcasts focus on military aspects of both U.S. and world history. There are discussions on recent operations, such as the war in Iraq, as well as events farther back in history such as The Civil War, the Anglo-Dutch Wars, WWII and more.

11. Tudor History

Learn about one of the most fascinating reigns in world history — depicted over and over again in books, film and television. Podcasts have not been updated in some time, but with history being what it is (history), the information you’ll find here will be as up to date as you need it to be.

12. British History 101

Graduate student Michael Anthony hosts this podcast, which discusses all aspects of British history, the land, and the culture. There are also blog posts that share interesting articles and discussions relating to podcast topics.

13. 12 Byzantine Rulers

Lars Brownworth, the author of Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization, hosts this podcasts, which explores Byzantine Empire by looking at 12 of its greatest rulers. Podcasts are free.

14. The History of Rome

This weekly podcast explores the history of the Roman Empire, starting with Aeneas’s arrival in Italy and ending with the exile of Romulus Augustulus. Podcasts are consistently updated and are at times accompanied by pictures and supporting information.

15. Monticello Podcasts

These podcasts explore the life and times of President Thomas Jefferson. Learn about his life, his works as president, and even what daily life was like during his time, such as cuisine and culture.

16. Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean

Host Philip A. Harland is an associate professor at York University in Toronto and is the author of the book, Dynamics of Identity in the World of the Early Christians. Recent podcasts seem to focus more specifically on the influence of early Christianity and the history of Jesus in the region, with focus paid to historical evidence.

17. The Modern Scholar

The Modern Scholar aims to be a continuing education site for teachers and students of all types. Some of their history podcasts include “A History of Venice,” “Myths and Mysteries in Archaeology,” “The Life and Times of Mark Twain,” and “The People’s Dynasty.”

18. Book of Cleopatra

Learn about one of history’s most intriguing — and most often portrayed — women through this dramatic reading of Cleopatra by Jacob Abbott. The narratives are voiced by the actors of peopletalk, a non-profit based in Britain.

19. Music History Podcast

You won’t need any musical talent to learn from and appreciate this series of podcasts. Learn the history of musical greats such as Amadeus, Bach and Beethoven; the history of musical instruments such as the French horn or the violin; and the history of musical movements.

20. Baseball History Podcast

Learn about this week in baseball history, including the story of baseball greats, team histories, league histories and more. And hear about it from your own personal sportscaster!

Who says your grade book has to be a spiral-bound paper book, or that your tests and quizzes have to be made from scratch? There are numerous software packages available to help make basic teaching tasks easier and to save you time. And for teachers who are already overworked and have classes that are over-enrolled, time is a premium.

Here are some of our picks for the best software available for teachers:

1. Master Grade

This easy-to-use software compiles information for all of the students in your classroom, including attendance and assignments by type and grade weight. The software also allows you to create spreadsheets for all of your classes, to make seating assignments, to generate term reports and more. There are also detailed profiles for students.The software is available for $39.32 for Windows or Macintosh.

2. TI-Nspire

Texas Instruments, the well-known makers of graphing calculators, created this software, which allows teachers to streamline all of their instructional content. The software includes a library of lessons that are ready to use and gives teachers the option to modify activities or create their own lessons. There is also a large catalog of questions that can be used for discussion or testing, and the questions can be chosen according to type (open-ended, multiple choice, etc.). There are also numerous options for using the software in class and for communicating with students.

3. Schoolhouse Test

This software allows teachers to easily create and print a test, quiz or exam. Teachers can navigate the software by assigning a level and category, then selecting questions. There are also options to create test questions based on diagrams or other images, to use fill-in-the-blank questions, and to create tests based on math equations. And, of course, there are multiple choices for question types in order to assess different learning styles.

4. Markin

Students like to submit work digitally, so instead of printing out papers and marking them up with notes, teachers can use this software to digitally annotate essays and term papers with comments and other notes. The marked papers can be e-mailed to the student individually, or they can be uploaded to a web server for viewing.

5. 1st Class Gradebook

Here’s another software package that will allow you to keep track of your grades electronically. You can enter grades, create reports, and build profiles for your classes or individual students. The software is available for a free trial, and after that, it costs $69.99.

6. EVE2 Plagiarism Detection System

Don’t spend hours on Google researching a paper you suspect of being plagiarized — let this software do it for you. The software searches Web sites for matching content, then provides a report showing side-by-side comparisons of the content. It claims to work faster than plagiarism-detection Web sites. The cost is $29.99.

7. Flipbook Printer

Make your own Flipbooks from .AVI files printed on business cards. These can be used as a classroom activity, or teachers can create their own flipbooks for classroom use. The best part? It’s a free download.

8. Vocabulary Worksheet Maker

Teachers can use this software to make word searches, crosswords, jumbles, and other vocabulary puzzles and activities to help students learn vocabulary. There are numerous options for activities that teachers can create, and there are also study guides that can be given to students. Costs start at $59 for this software, which is available for multiple Windows platforms.

9. Instant Lesson Planner 2000 Plus

This handy software lets you create and organize your lesson plans for safekeeping year after year. The interface allows for editing according to state standards, learning objectives, and more. There are also options to link to tests, activities, worksheets, and more. This software makes keeping track of your files easy!

10. Disciplinary Referral Sheet

This software makes filling in disciplinary forms fast and easy. It also allows teachers to keep track of what forms have been submitted and to track history with a particular student. There are also options for parent communication. A free trial is available.

1. Chemistry Blog

A group of 16 bloggers — ranging from professors to researchers to graduate students — manage this blog, which features news, reviews, tips, and more. You’ll find a lot of useful information with advice for the classroom, research and even the job search. There are also links to resources, books, and more. This is a thorough, resource-rich blog that offers a little bit of something for everyone.

2. NNNS Chemistry Blog

This thorough, professional blog hosts in-depth discussions of chemical research and other news of interest to the scientific community. Researchers and students (both graduate and undergraduate) will find a great resource in this blog.

3. Carbon-based Curiosities

Two grad students and a “coblogginator” write this blog about organic chemistry with a mission to make the topic fun and build community. The blog includes personal experiences, thoughtful discussion, and links to a lot of great material. There is also an extensive blogroll by scientific interest.

4. Back Re(Action)

This blog includes “Events on the world lines of two theoretical physicists, from the horizon to timelike infinity. A scientifically minded blog with varying amounts of entertainment, distractions, and every day trivialities.” Reviews, analysis, news, discussion and resources can all be found here. Posts are nicely organized according to scientific interest, topic, and category.

5. ChemBark

Chemistry and chemical research are the primary focus of this blog, which includes “ideas, experiments, data, publications, writing, education, current events, scientific policy, academic politics, history, and trivia.” Posts are published by a private community of blog authors, and no ads or blogroll are published.

6. Chemical Engineering World

The goal of this blog is to help other young professional chemical engineers. Posts talk about the author’s experiences and research. There are also discussions about professional development and finding work, including links and job postings.

7. Adventures in Ethics and Science

What often isn’t taught — or maybe can’t be taught — in college is professional behavior. This blog discusses rules for responsible scientific research, communication within the professional community, teaching, and ethics. Some notable recent posts include Research Methods and Primary Literature, Paid Sick Leave and Ethics, and Am I Asking Too Little of the First Amendment?.

8. Chemistry Central

News, reviews, and discussions about chemical research and practices can all be found on this resource-rich blog. There are also many suggestions for activities or methods for teachers, but college students will find some of these suggested resources valuable, as well. There are also many useful links, including other topic-specific scientific blogs run by the same blog host.

9. Reactive Chemistry Blog

Pop culture and technology are drawn into the ongoing discussion of chemical research and news in this thorough and authoritative blog. Some popular posts include Carbon Dioxice Solution, Melanotan Suntan in a Syringe, and Echinaccea and Swine Flu.

10. The Sceptical Chemist

The editors of Nature Chemistry host this blog, which aims to foster a spirited discussion of the latest news and research in chemistry. Multiple authors contribute, and posts can be searched by topic and category. Some notable recent posts include Making More of Methods, BOSS: Minimal ‘Enzymes’ for Catalysis, and Taste receptors, chemical kinetics and equilibrium.

11. Chemistry World Blog

Chemistry World is a monthly magazine in the U.K., and this is its blog. News, opinions, and reviews can all be found here. Readers can also start their own discussion threads, and all the posts are moderated by the editor.

12. Chem-Bla-Ics

As the name suggests, the focus of this blog is Chemblaics, which uses computers to solve problems in chemistry. The process uses open-source software, open data and open standards.

13. Cheminfostream

Chemistry isn’t the only focus of this blog — posts also cover chemical information and modeling, cheminformatics, drug discovery, and predictive toxicology. There are numerous resources on the blog, including links to companies, instructors, and workshops.

14. Molecule of the Day

Learn about a molecule a day with this fun blog, which tries to connect chemistry with everyday things of interest to non-chemists. Some recent posts discuss brominated vegetable oil, anti-depressants, and fat dogs.

15. Org Prep Daily

Students are sure to learn a lot from this blog, which posts synthetic procedures. The blog authors says, “The experiments were joy to set up+run, the purifications were a piece of cake, the crystals were shiny and the yields were terrific – or maybe weren’t but I liked the preparation anyway.”

16. Totally Synthetic

A medicinal chemist writes this blog, which discusses chemical research (both the author’s own and that of other scientists), methodology, and more. You’ll also find relevant articles, links and resources, and some of the author’s personal musings on the field.

17. Useful Chemistry

Nine contributors write this blog, which chronicles research done for the UseefulChem project at Drexel University. Research focuses on the synthesis of novel anti-malarial compounds, and detailed notes are made available.

18. Chemical Space

A medical chemist explores current research and news in chemistry. Some categories for postings include jobs, lab work, industry news, and Internet tools.

19. A Chemistry Quesiton, Daily

Despite the blog’s name, you won’t find a daily chemistry question here. Posts aren’t published every day, and they don’t always include a question. But they do explore chemistry problems and the author’s experiences with learning chemistry. The author is a 16-year-old Romanian student whose passion is chemistry.

20. Chemjobber

The focus of this blog is “quantifying the chemistry job market,” which, like many other fields, is bad. The blog looks at news and trends in the market and offers advise and discussion about how to navigate the field.

21. Chemiotics II

Organic chemistry is one of the focuses of this blog, which also looks at math, medicine, and biology. Some notable recent posts include 2 New Kinds of Genes. Who Knew? We didn’t., A Chemical Gedanken Experiment, and Why Should a Protein Have Just One Shape or Any Shape for That Matter?

22. Med-Chemist

Here’s another blog by a medical chemist, with a focus on medical chemistry. Posts often discuss advanced topics in chemistry, including the latest news and research. The author also shares many valuable resources.

23. A Schooner of Science

Captain Skellett is a pirate and scientist who talks about her research, science in pop culture, news, and other items of note. She includes many useful links and resources, and she also hosts a number of YouTube vidoes.

24. The Culture of Chemistry

A chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College writes this blog, which began as part of a grant to write teaching materials for physical chemistry that incorporated modern research and “the culture of chemistry.” The author’s research focuses on computational chemistry, and many of her posts reflects those interests.

25. Periodic Tabloid

According to the blog author Tom Tritton, “Periodic Tabloid is an ongoing record of Tom Tritton’s actions and impressions as he makes the transition from college president to president and CEO of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, a library, museum, and center for scholars based in Philadelphia.”

For students:

1. Blogs are fun! Many of your students likely already keep a personal blog. Using a blog in the classroom will help students relate to the lesson.

2. They help students develop and hone their writing skills.

3. They model forms and standards of writing for students. Show them what good writing looks like vs. bad writing. Talk about style, tone, and usage. Blogs are an oasis of free writing samples.

4. Blogs can stand in as online student journals for a variety of classroom modules.

5. Blogs can increase the sense of community and camaraderie amongst classmates.

6. They can be used to help students understand appropriate online sources. Show students how to evaluate blogs for their authority, credibility and usefulness.

7. When used for group work, they can foster collaboration and team-building skills.

8. They can help promote and develop reading skills.

9. They provide another outlet for different styles of learning. Blogs help students who learn through hands-on work and are more verbally oriented.

10. Blogs can be used to encourage discussion anytime — whether in or outside of class.

11. Students can use blogs to develop online portfolios of their work.

12. In large classes, blogs can be used to create smaller groups and to form more cohesive units even while in class.

13. Most students now are digital natives. Blogs engage them by presenting material in a way that is familiar and comfortable.

14. Students have a larger audience when they blog. If the blog is public, they are potentially writing for a global audience. This knowledge may empower them and their work.

15. Blogs allow for self-directed learning. If they are assigned as independent or homework projects, students can work on them when they feel inspired to do so.

16. They allow for multimedia interaction. Students can post pictures, videos, links, and more.

17. Students can hone their editing skills by critiquing the work of others.

18. Parents can view their child’s work and progress as shown on a blog.

19. Blogs can model rules of behavior for online interaction, teaching students online etiquette.

20. Students can take pride in their work since blog creation reflects their independent efforts.

21. Working online fosters a sense of global interaction. Students can be taught to understand the dangers and the benefits of interacting online and producing work online.

22. As an independent project, blogs allow students to showcase their independence and sense of responsibility.

23. Blogs save paper.

24. Blogs provide a virtual announcement board for important messages about homework, assignments, deadlines, and more.

25. Students can communicate with their teachers and other students through a blog. This is especially helpful for shy students who might not otherwise reach out.

26. Teachers can communicate with parents directly and as a group through blogs.

27. They provide an outlet for students who are shy.

28. Blogs give students the chance to express their creativity in academic ways.

29. Students can work on collaborative writing projects through blogs.

30. They prepare students for online social networking.

31. Blogs help students understand how to build an online presence.

32. They help increase student confidence levels by giving them self-directed projects.

33. Work is permanently stored on a blog. Students can review their work — theoretically — for years to come. Blog space can be obtained for free, and so long as the teacher doesn’t remove the content, it will remain there.

34. Students can determine the topic of posts on blogs, making them more inspired and excited to participate.

35. If blogs are used as reading material, students can choose the type and style of blog that appeals to them, making them more excited about reading.

36. Blogs can teach students the proper use of citation — especially of hyperlinks.

37. Blogs can be used to teach students about plagiarism. There are numerous examples of how easy online content makes it to plagiarize.

38. Students can express their own opinions — and, therefore, their identities — through blogs. It gives them more freedom than traditional academic outlets.

39. They offer supplemental reading or exercises for a particular course of study. Students can use them to gain a deeper understanding of a subject.

40. Students can hone their analytical skills through critique of blogs or development of their own.

41. They give students an outlet for ideas or comments that may have occurred to them after an in-class discussion has ended.

42. Blogs will help students widen their vocabulary.

43. Blogs will help students improve their grammar.

44. Students will be able to improve their persuasive writing skills, specifically.

45. Blogs can help students establish themselves as “experts” on a given topic.

46. Blogs give students a space for process-based learning. They don’t have to include the finished project. They can be there for drafts, free writing and more.

47. Students can use blogs as a space to brainstorm ideas and get feedback on their ideas from other classmates.

48. Teachers have a wide variety of reading materials and writing samples instantly available during class.

49. Many authoritative agencies and authors maintain blogs about their subject interest. These offer valuable tools and insights for classroom discussion.

50. Blogs are relevant!

For teachers:

51. Blogs offer a community of experts to offer advise, share tips, and commiserate over experiences.

52. Teachers can build their professional learning network through blogs by connecting with other experts and learning about new tools in their field.

53. Blogs can highlight professional experience and build the reputation of an educator.

54. Blogs can be used as a forum to vet classroom ideas — including lesson plans, activities, and curriculum.

55. Teachers can learn more about Web 2.0 tools and become more comfortable and familiar with them through the practice of writing a blog.

56. Blogs can serve as a sounding board to vent frustrations in the classroom or in the working environment.

57. Education news and trends can be gleaned from reading blogs.

58. Blogs highlight valuable resources that educators can use both in and out of the classroom.

59. Blogs help you meet people you wouldn’t otherwise be able to meet.

60. They increase accountability for the teacher and the school by making the classroom process more transparent.

61. The increased transparency will build trust and rapport with parents and the community.

62. Blogs can teach educators about online etiquette.

63. Blogs prepare educators for other forms of social networking.

64. They make teachers aware of current events and trends that are important to students — especially pop culture.

65. Blogs help educators remain flexible and adaptable. They are a new medium/technology for many, and learning how to maintain one requires learning new skills.

66. They allow educators to initiate discussions that are meaningful and relevant to them.

67. Blogs offer a sense of community among educators — or even among those within a particular institution.

68. Blogs give teachers a forum to share unconventional ideas that may not have had a hearing in more traditional outlets.

69. Educators can use blogs to publish works that may have been rejected by traditional publishers.

70. Private blogs can offer a useful space for reflection and process-based work.

71. Just like students, educators can use blogs to improve their writing skills.

72. Blogs can be used to facilitate classroom discussion.

73. Teachers can post questions or assign a discussion thread through a blog.

74. Blogs can be used to host classroom competitions.

75. Teachers can highlight a “student of the week” or “student of the month” on a blog, giving the student more exposure and the award more prestige.

76. Prizes and other special mentions can be advertised through a blog.

77. A school or college can use a blog as a community roundtable — highlighting events, hosting discussions, and posting useful information.

78. Blogs can offer a space for teachers to post additional comments or questions that may have been overlooked during a lesson — or only considered after class ended.

79. Writing a blog gives educators a way to relate to students.

80. Blogs offer a space for teachers to be more creative with their content.

81. Personal blogs — or professional blogs that include personal information about the teacher — give students a way to get to know the teacher better.

82. Blogs give teachers more autonomy, allowing them more possibilities for their lessons, including podcasts, videos, photos and more.

83. Blogs serve as a professional calling card. Teachers can use them to supplement an application or a push for a promotion.

84. Blogs can help teachers build up a reputation within a subject area that is not their area of specialty. For instance, if an English teacher wants to do more work with history, he or she can write and publish research through a blog to build up credentials in that subject area.

85. Blogging can motivate teachers to do more. If a blog has a following, then the writer will feel compelled to update often with valuable content.

86. If the content is compelling enough — or has enough professional value — blogs can help teachers get noticed and potentially land a book deal.

87. Publishing content to the Web makes you more aware of the quality of your product (be they lesson plans, articles for journals, etc.).

88. Blogs provide a space for educators to share articles or other papers before publication in order to get feedback or even editing help.

89. Blogs can provide a record of what was done in class. Can’t remember how you handled this section last year? Check your blog.

90. Blogs can be used to track attendance if students are required to participate in daily discussions, etc.

91. Blogs foster objectivity if teachers use them to grade student participation. There is a physical record of the breadth and depth of the content that students contribute — rather than trying to remember what they said in class or how often they raised their hands.

92. Blogs give teachers more time. Sometimes, not everything can be fit into the lesson plan, and homework can’t stand in for instruction. Teachers can use blogs to post further instruction, additional supporting materials, and more.

93. Blogs give teachers another way to connect with students. Inspirational notes, words of encouragement, and advice can all be shared with students through a blog.

94. Teachers can model professional behavior online for students through blogs.

95. Teachers can use blogs to teach students about other cultures, and to connect students with their peers in other countries.

96. Teachers can use classroom or professional blogs to supplement their evaluation materials. They are a handy written record of yearly activity.

97. Blogs can be used to make last minute or emergency announcements to students or parents.

98. Blogs offer you the freedom to say what you want — but still not without consequences:)

99. Blogs offer unique opportunities for assessment and evaluation of students.

100. Everyone else is doing it. Really. If you’re not blogging, it almost seems as if you’re behind the times and aren’t tuned it to what’s relevant to students and to other educators.

1. The Teacher’s Podcast

Mark Gura and Dr. Kathy King bring you this series of podcasts, which cover “news, views, research and resources you can use.” Gura and king are educators themselves, and have experience as authors, professors and “ed tech experts.” The duo claim that their podcast won’t offer you the usual fare, but instead includes a fun and crisp perspective, as well as valuable resources.

2. Teach42

This blog from Steve Dembo features regular podcasts on education and technology. Teachers can hear about ways to use technology in their teaching, and can get reviews and news about new technological trends.

3. Podcast for Teachers

This resource-rich site includes podcasts that cover technology and education, with some recent posts covering topics such as “Technology, Mobility, and Careers,” “Science and Social Media,” and “Digital Texts Rock!” Each podcast is accompanied by numerous resources, links to relevant current events, occasional interviews, and other relevant links. This is a great resource for all teachers!

4. Learning Matters

John Merrow hosts this podcast, which discuss current events in education. Podcasts are short — generally 5 to 10 minutes each — and topics include Race to the Top, education in New Orleans, ways to evaluate teachers, ESL and more.

5. New Teacher Hotline

Dr. Glen Moulton, a supervisor of instruction and teacher trainer, and Michael Kelley, the author of Rookie Teaching for Dummies, host this monthly podcast for new teachers. Podcasts cover the answers to questions submitted by new teachers and a variety of other topics of interest to those in their beginning years of teaching. Episodes typically last 20 to 30 minutes.

6. Speaking of History

Eric Langhorst is an eighth-grade history teacher in Missouri, and he hosts podcasts that discuss education, history and technology. In his podcasts (and blog posts), he talks about trials in the classroom, reviews books, offers advice on how to incorporate technology into the classroom, and share professional opportunities for teachers.

7. Teacher Created Materials

You can stream or download podcasts on a range of subjects, from applying differentiation strategies to building vocabulary to fluency comprehension. Podcasts can be browsed according to teaching subject or by topic of interest, such as technology, test prep, and professional development.

8. Teaching with Technology

These podcasts cover “user-friendly techniques, suggestions, tips, and advice.” You can search podcasts according to topic of interest, which cover education and technology. Some recent podcasts discuss ways to use Google, blogs and other popular technology in the classroom.

9. The Tech Teachers

The mission of this podcast is simple: “Teachers talking about tech and education….” Ray is a physics teacher and Hollye is a Spanish teacher, and they focus their discussion on technology and how it can be used in the classroom. They evaluate popular gadgets and tools such as the iPad and google docs, and they include relevant links and resources with each podcast.

10. The Lookstein Center for Jewish Education

Mark Smilowitz offers insights and ideas about teaching in these podcasts. He shares reflections, tips, and strategies for teachers, especially Jewish educators.

11. Keeping Them Engaged

“The idea podcast for keeping students engaged” is hosted by Bobby Brooks, a self-proclaimed student engagement expert. His podcast explores unconventional ways to keep students engaged, including games and 3-D technology.

12. The Tech Pod Zone

This podcast features Mike, Rob, and Reboot talking in roundtable fashion about using technology in the classroom. The Wii, Moodle, and WikiSpaces are just a few of the tech tools that have been featured in recent podcasts.

13. Podcasts for Educators, Schools, and Colleges

These podcasts from the UK discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to teaching and learning activities. In addition to the podcasts hosted on the site, which offer a variety of resources and tips, the site also maintains a directory of other podcasts relevant to education and teaching.

14. Instructional Technology Podcasts

Instructional technology and curriculum design are the primary focuses of these podcasts, which focus a lot of attention on education in Texas. Distance education, gaming, higher education, and technical literacy are a few of the recent topics covered.

15. SMARTBoard Lessons Podcast

Categories covered under this podcast include art, health, math, media, reading, science, social studies, and writing. Regular podcasts include practical tips, collaborative discussions, and lesson planning advice. Each episode features a lesson, and all podcasts focus on the use of the SMARTBoard.

16. Teaching for the Future

Teaching for the Future is part blog, part podcast channel. Dave LaMorte is the host, and the focus is on education, technology, and literacy — particularly the strong influence that technology and the Internet have on all parts of society. Posts include relevant links, resources, and commentary.

17. Instant Anatomy

The podcasts on this site are just some of the myriad resources offered for the teaching of anatomy. Robert Whitaker was a paediatric urological surgeon before creating the site, and he is a current professor of clinically applied topographical anatomy. The site is full of resources for teaching and learning anatomy, and the podcasts offer in-depth and informative lectures.

18. JapanesePod 101

Use these podcasts to learn Japanese or to help you teach it in the classroom. Podcasts are organized according to level (beginner, intermediate, expert, etc.) and by topic. Each lesson is short and targeted around a goal.

19. ICT Guy

Here’s another great podcast about effectively using technology in the classroom. Some recent podcasts include “Create Digital Texts From Your Blog Posts With Anthologize, “Xinha for Web Forms,” and “Should we compare the iPad to the netbook?” Here you’ll find lots of informative posts with both tips and interesting discussions about using technology in teaching.

20. Educational Insights: Teaching for Today with Steve Decker

This informative blog features interviews, commentary and other content meant to promote discussion of educational methods and practices. Recent podcasts have tackled autism education, differentiation, and intervention models.

21. Middle School Matters

Podcasts are interspersed with blog posts about middle school news and educating middle school students. There is a focus on technology, with many recent posts focused on the impact of the iPad. Blog posts and podcasts include relevant links and resources.

22. District Leader’s Podcast

Eight hosts contribute to this podcast and accompanying blog, which is sponsored by McGraw-Hill Education’s Urban Advisory Resource. The resource includes educators and experts with experience in managing large school districts. Topics have included technology, intervention strategies, and Race to the Top funding.

23. Shakespodospheare

This podcast is devoted to the study of major works of British literature, specifically those of William Shakespeare. The majority of posts offer dramatic readings of the works, though some delve into explanation and analysis. These make great for great classroom conversation starters, and the dramatic readings can really bring the works to life!

24. English Conversations

These podcasts offer practical conversations for those who are learning English — or even for those who are looking to improve basic skills. You can browse conversations by topic, verb tense, or category. This is a great resource-rich site that’s great for teachers or independent learners!

25. Just Vocabulary

With just two words featured on the GRE per episode, this series of podcasts promises to increase your vocabulary skills. Each show includes definitions of the word, including synonyms, antonyms, and examples of usage. Another site that’s great for teachers or independent learners!

26. Blabbinit

“The chattering world of English” includes podcasts, a blog, karaoke, videos, and comics. Podcasts cover grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and more.

27. An Idiom a Day with Dave Jackson

This is a fun series of podcasts that gets at the eccentricities of English usage — bringing to life the everyday phrases and slang that native speakers use so frequently. This is a great site for teachers of English as a Second Language, especially, but it would also be great for teachers to use to challenge students to think about the origin of language and how literal definitions can be stretched and subverted.

28. Charles McNair’s Book Reviews

Don’t expect to find a review of John Grisham’s latest novel here; Charlese McNair, an AM radio show host, reviews some of the most historically significant novels, such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Things Fall Apart, and Moby Dick. These podcasts are a great supplement to classroom discussion about these notable works of literature.

29. This Week in Science

This “kick ass science podcast” looks at what’s new and significant in the field of science. Podcasts include in-depth discussion and analysis that helps elucidate scientific concepts and can encourage debate and classroom discussion.

30. Science on the Wild Side

These podcasts include “science and nature features, news, and humorous educational songs to listen and learn by.” The environment, animal species, ocean life, and space are just a few of the recent topics covered. Great for primary and middle-school students!

31. Truth Driven Thinking

These podcasts, hosted by author Stephen Gibson, critically analyze a number of trends and philosophical questions about human existence and religion to arrive at logic-based conclusions. The discussions found here are sure to stimulate heated debate among students, and they will surely be fertile ground for teaching students about thinking critically and building sound arguments in defense of their view points.

32. I Love History

This series of podcasts challenges listeners to “think question understand.” Podcasts cover apartheid, civil war, Elizabeth I, first world war, the Romans, and the modern world. There are also links to relevant sites and resources.

33. Colonial Williamsburg

Listen to podcasts about colonial American history from this well-known recreation settlement. Every podcast includes additional resources, and the archives go back to 2005. This is a rich resource for history teachers!

34. Great Speeches in History

Learn Out Loud offers a new historical speech each week. Expect to find notables such as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill. But don’t expect the speeches to be limited to those figures who lived during a time when recording was available. Reenactments are presented of figures such as George Washington. Podcasts can be downloaded or streamed, and each speech includes the author, the date, and some background information.

35. The History Faculty

Video podcasts lead students through in-depth discussions about historical figures and movements, and offer presentation and study guides to introduce new subjects. Subjects cover all historical eras and regions, and podcasts can be searched by topic.

36. EdTech Musician

The focus of these podcasts is on technology and music. Sometimes, posts feature discussions and examples of different music types, and other times, posts focus on the type of technology used in the production of music.

37. Music Teachers 911

This educational podcast is focused on helping music teachers improve their classes and their student performances. Episodes include useful tips, interviews, and a Q&A with listeners.

38. Photoshop for Painters

With the rise of the digital age, even tangible works of art have had to adapt to the need for digital representation. This podcast helps painters navigate photoshop to highlight and promote their work.

39. Photography 411

This series of podcasts focuses on practical tips and resources for better understanding and improving photography skills. It also looks at news and trends in the field, and includes interviews with leading experts.

40. English as a Second Language

This podcast includes useful tips and in-depth discussions for teaching English as a second language. Members of the site can also get full transcripts, additional vocabulary, comprehension questions, and extra explanations and cultural notes.