CourseSites by Blackboard online learning Environment

Blackboard Learn

I have been using "Blackboard Learn" for all of my university online courses. Well now individual teachers can use the same learning environment to create a virtual classroom for their students and it is completely FREE!  The options for online video/voice chat are wonderful for getting students to practice their FL outside of class. They can also send voice e-mails to classmates and record assignments on voice board. Classes can be set up totally online, as hybrid classes or simply as a supplement to your face-to-face environment at school. Students will learn to use the same technology they will be using at the university level with Wikis, blogs, mashups, and so much more! This is exactly what I have been looking for and it it better than many sites that charge a high fee for less (as with Moodle hosting). If you have wanted to create your own online course, This is the best I have found!  Students can also access Blackboard through Blackboard learning apps for their smartphones or iPad which can be downloaded at iTunes and android stores.

Peace Corps Resources

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.
We can utilize the experiences that are shared by those volunteers to learn a lot about the countries we are studying and cultural differences. 
WorldWise schools help to connect these volunteers with schools in the U.S to share what they have learned.
 There are valuable resources for teachers available here:    WorldWise Schools 
that include videos, podcasts, lesson plans, letters from volunteers, photos, and so much more!
You can even apply for a guest volunteer to visit your class and/or correspond with your students.
What a great way to bring culture to life for your students and show them the value of learning a second language. 

CLEAR

Although Clear is not new, many language teachers have not tried the various internet applications that are available for free.
 It is definitely worth checking out:   Center for Language Education and Research

Veinte Mundos Magazine

A Spanish newspaper for students.

Read and Think online Magazine

I liked the book but the online magazine offers current information on a monthly basis for a yearly subscription price. Also all pdf/audio files available for download and use offline. Read and Think French and Italian also available.

check it out at:   Read and Think Spanish

Language Cloud

Finally...a free learning platform developed specifically for language learning. Teachers can set up classrooms, post assignments, upload ,learning videos , and students have a dropbox for turning in assignments, recordings, etc. There are flashcard tools and other goodies to come. Check it out at:
Language Cloud