ClearRecord app for iphone

This is a voice recorder that allows a slower playback speed without modifying pitch and distorting the voice. This allows a new language learner to play back a recording of a native speaker so they can listen better and comprehend more. The app stores recordings with AAC compression (m4a so a one hour recording would be less than 20 MB) to save space on your device. Can be used on iPad or iPhone and is also available on android devices from Google Play. Also has a repeat mode and study mode for multiple repetitions of phrases. Teacher can use this to record self reading a story, pronouncing vocabulary terms, etc. It will send the recordings to Evernote (or store then on another site such as www.box.com, google drive, skydrive, etc.) and can sync recordings to all designated devices. Teacher can share all recordings for student download on their own device or sync recordings across all classroom devices. Great for when a student is absent and needs to listen to something missed.

"SimSimi" the chat robot

SimSimi iphone and android app

SimSimi is being used by many to learn a variety of foreign languages. Since students love to text, why not have them learn to text in the target language with an imaginary friend? If Simsimi does not understand a question, the user can teach Simsimi the correct question and response. A word of caution should be noted, that with any technology, there are some users who try to mis-use it and want to train Simsimi to use offensive language. An improvement has been made that allows users to flag offensive material which will have it removed. A great little app that can be found in the itunes or android stores for a nominal fee. click the link above to try it out.