The iPod of today is the souped up version of the cassette recorder of yesteryear. With it, an ever expanding array of educational and authentic materials becomes available in a convenient and portable package. The presenters will show how they used the iPod in their listening/speaking class and how it changed the way they teach. The presenters will also show how the students used the iPods and discuss whither the iPod improved language learning.

Education systems are continually presented with new theories, philosophies, and suggested practices. Many arise for a few moments of fame, and then pass into obscurity – a footnote in the many failed experiments in learning. What are we to make of our current educational climate? Blogs, wikis, podcasts, co-creation, content aggregation, global conversations? These trends – now over five years in development – ride on larger trends evidenced in technology, business, and society. When our teaching and learning shift to connections and conversations, what happens to content? This session will explore the implications of the informalization of learning and education, suggesting approaches to capture the best of emerging trends, while maintaining the best of what currently exists

Dafne Gonzalez: Full Professor at Universidad Simon Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela. She holds a Ph.D in Education, and a MA in Applied Linguistics. She designs and teaches blended and online courses. She coordinates the Graduate Programs in Education at the USB, and, is the coordinator of the TESOL Electronic Village Online.