Resources for teachers and students
Because I believe we´re all explorers of language, these resources are listed so teachers can keep learning and students can teach themselves.
Language learning resources
Wordreference.com
This site is the premier language learning resource online. It includes dictionaries, thesauruses, conjugators, and language forums for a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian, and Japanese.
Pandora.com
Pandora is a music site that provides a fun way to practice listening comprehension and get exposure to the culture of the target language. It allows visitors to create their own radio station by entering a song or artist they enjoy. The site brings up related artists and allows the listener to customize their site. Enter a song in Spanish, English, French, or a variety of other languages to see what it will bring up.
Wikipedia.com
Because it contains entries in a variety of languages about thousands of topics, visiting wikipedia is a great way to practice reading in the target language. Spanish students can try the Spanish portal, and beginning learners of English may benefit from the Simple English articles. My recommendation of this site as a language learning resource does not mean that I recommend it as a source for papers; it can be useful as a starting place to gain general information, but should not be cited in classwork.
Livemocha
This free social networking site for language learners includes lessons and practice activities, but really shines at connecting people who speak a language with people that want to learn it. Meet speakers of Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, English, and other languages from all over the world. You can send messages, chat, or even talk voice-to-voice.
Quizlet
This free website has digital flashcards and games with a variety of vocabulary to practice. If you can't find the words you need to practice, it's easy to make your own practice list!
Spanish resources
Real Academia Española
Contains the "standardized" Spanish dictionary, information about the rules of formal Spanish, and entries about the slang of various countries.
Desde Cuba
This resistance blog provides news and commentary about the social, political, and economic situation in Cuba.
Online Newspapers
Online newspapers are an easy way to stay up-to-date and learn more about Spanish-speaking countries. Students can use their new Spanish knowledge to learn about events and issues around the world. Teachers may find the site helpful in finding authentic texts in Spanish.
Perú: Elcomercio.pe
Ecuador: Elcomercio.com
España: Elpais.com
México: Eluniversal.com
Nicaragua: Laprensa.com.ni
Argentina: lanacion.com
