English Learners Online Official Blog

Our Online English Learners Online Edu-Social Community is Growing

2008-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

As of today, we have well over 800 English Learners from around the world who are improving their English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for free through our online edu-social community, English Learners Online.
Our official English Learners Online website and community are both free resources for learners of American English, where the latest international news in English, multi-language dictionaries, and opportunities to learn from articles, videos, and news abound.
Our community is special because it allows our members to interact and discuss, while sharing their cultures and knowledge with others.
If you'd like to view some of our other online communities, please visit Edu-Social Networks.

Visit our official website,

2008-02-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

English Learners Online now has an official home.
Visit the official English Learners Website to find out the latest online tools for learning English as well as news and information to more effective use of the English Learners Online Edu-Social Community.

Forget MySpace, English Learners!

2007-08-09T14:50:00.001-07:00

The creator of English Learners Online Official Blog invites all English Learners to participate in a brand-new online network geared towards helping English Learners communicate with others and learn English at the same time.
Please visit:
http://www.learnenglishonline.snappville.com

See you there,
MaestroSersea

Voice of America Special English News 5/15/2007

2007-05-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Looking at Mosquitoes as a Way to Fight Malaria Instead of Spreading It
Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: A report says fewer boys have been born in the US and Japan each year since 1970. And vitamins can help pregnant women in developing countries increase low birth weights.Fighting Fire Ants With a Virus of Their Own
On AGRICULTURE REPORT: US scientists have hopes for a biological way to control an invasion that causes billions of dollars in farm losses each year.GlobalGiving: Connecting Personal Donors to Local Projects
On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: This non-profit organization has raised about five million dollars in the last seven years. The money has paid for or helped finance about seven hundred projects around the world.Mothers as Seen Through the Eyes, and the Years, of TV and Movie Makers
On THIS IS AMERICA: Some examples of how, as women in general have become more independent, so have the moms created by Hollywood.Numbers: I, for One, Use These Expressions Often
On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: A number of terms based on the number one.Pocahontas, 1595-1617: An Important Player in Early Jamestown
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: She was the first Native American to become a Christian and the first to marry a white person. She represented the hope of close relations between American Indians and European settlers.Sarkozy's Economic Plan for France May Depend on June Elections
On IN THE NEWS: Chirac will leave office on Wednesday. Blair announces he will resign June 27. And Turkey looks for a solution to its presidential crisis.Harvard Economist Susan Athey Wins a Top Award
On ECONOMICS REPORT: The first woman to receive the Clark Medal is honored for her work across several areas of study, including government auctions.Cortney Tidwell's Music: Moonlit Laughter, in the Shadow of Emotions
Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from Saudi Arabia about presidential candidates' pages on MySpace. And the US Postal Service releases only its second triangular stamp, to honor the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.For Blind Foreign Students, Some Aid Available in US
On EDUCATION REPORT: In Part 36 of our Foreign Student Series, a listener in Nigeria asks if visually impaired foreign students can get a full scholarship as an undergraduate.US History: Nixon Promises to 'Bring the American People Together' After '68 Win
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Richard Nixon lost the 1960 election to John Kennedy. But Nixon was known for his ability to fight, to lose, and to keep trying. Those skills would soon be tested.Something a Bone Will Never Say: Give Me a Break
On HEALTH REPORT: An explanation of different kinds of fractures and treatments.Have an Active Interest in Volcanoes? Then Look Around Hawaii
On EXPLORATIONS: Seeing the sights at Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.

VOA Special English News Headlines 5/9/2007

2007-05-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Research Shows How Fishing for Sharks Also Affects Other Sea Animals
Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: A new kind of big cat is found on Borneo island. British researchers call for drug policy reform based on new findings. And US officials order stronger warnings for sleep drugs.Looking Behind the 'Fairtrade' Label
On AGRICULTURE REPORT: The movement began in Europe in the 1980s as a way to guarantee fair prices for small coffee producers in poor countries. With praise, though, has come criticism.Playing in the Sun and Sea at Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
On THIS IS AMERICA: Why visitors come back summer after summer to these two islands off the coast of Massachusetts.As Chinese Investment in Africa Grows, So Do Risks
On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Deadly attack on oil field in Ethiopia shows the dangers that China may face as it expands its involvement in the continent.Gene Kelly, 1912-1996: His Movies Made Dance Popular in America
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: He created a new kind of American dance by mixing modern, tap and ballet in an athletic way. But Gene Kelly said he really was just a song and dance man.Medical Terms: A Clean Bill of Health From the Doctor
On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Everyday expressions we use to describe someone's healthWhite House, Congress Try to Negotiate a New Iraq Spending Bill
On IN THE NEWS: Talks begin after President Bush vetoes a $124 billion measure that would have required a troop withdrawal to begin by October.How Much Is Too Much? The Debate Over Executive Pay
On ECONOMICS REPORT: Critics say company leaders are getting big raises even when they do not add value for their shareholders.Mix Caribbean, West African, Pop and Hip-Hop, What Do You Get? Akon
Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from Vietnam about the life stories of Helen Keller and Sally Ride. And feeling crafty? We check out the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington.1968 in America: a Year of Social Unrest and a Presidential Election
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: The Republican candidate was Richard Nixon (pictured). The Democrats nominated Hubert Humphrey. The candidates supported the war in Vietnam, but spoke about ways to end the conflict.Choosing a Student Exchange Program to Come to the US
On EDUCATION REPORT: Part 35 of our Foreign Student Series looks at programs for high school and college students.Discovery Could Ease Blood Shortages in Hospitals
On HEALTH REPORT: Researchers test an easier way to make 'universal' blood out of other typesDiscoveries Throw New Light on Stonehenge, but Mysteries Remain
On EXPLORATIONS: Researchers find the remains of an ancient community at nearby Durrington Walls. The discovery shows Stonehenge did not stand alone.

VOA Special English News 5/1/2007

2007-05-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Stopping Bird Flu by Spreading Knowledge About Protective Steps
On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: The third in a series of reports on dealing with the threat to public health from avian influenza. Get advice on how people can protect themselves and their families.Seed Collection Effort Aims to Safeguard 21 Food Crops
On AGRICULTURE REPORT: Many of the crops included in a new $37.5 million project are important to feeding the poor in developing countries.Bigwig: Such an Important Person
On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Terms for people who are powerful, at least in their own mind.Queen to Return to Jamestown to Mark 'America's 400th Anniversary'
On THIS IS AMERICA: Queen Elizabeth's visit this week is part of an 18-month effort in Virginia to show how England's first permanent settlement in the New World changed the world.Clearing a PATH to Better Health in Developing Countries
On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: The Seattle-based Program for Appropriate Technology in Health is 30 years old and has programs in 65 countries.Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959: A Building Designer Ahead of His Time
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: The life and work of the greatest American architect of the 20th centuryYeltsin: Russia's First Freely Elected Leader, but a Mixed Record
On IN THE NEWS: Experts say history will remember Boris Yeltsin as a democratic leader in some ways but not in others. They also say his Russia was more open than now. Teaching the Student Loan Industry a Lesson
On ECONOMICS REPORT: Conflicts of interest between lenders and colleges are investigated in US.Not Enough Room for a Tiger in Your Home? A Toyger May Be Answer
Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from Pakistan about cowboys. And Cajun music by the Pine Leaf Boys.Virginia Tech: 'As Strong a Place as It Has Always Been'
On EDUCATION REPORT: University officials say there is no sign that foreign students are rejecting admission offers because of the April 16 killings.US History: The '60s Become a Time of Social Revolution and Unrest
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: After the murder of President John Kennedy in 1963, many people felt that their hopes had died, too. The war in Southeast Asia and other issues led to bigger and bigger protests, as well as violence.Breast Cancer in US Stayed Down in '04 for Second Year
On HEALTH REPORT: Authors of a new study see the most likely reason as a drop in users of hormone replacement therapy.The Tuskegee Airmen: First African-Americans Trained As Fighter Pilots
On EXPLORATIONS: During World War Two, the Tuskegee Airmen guarded Allied bombers. The airmen destroyed more than 100 enemy planes in the air and won almost a thousand military awards.

TOEFL Newsletter 4/28/2007

2007-04-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

If you have friends who are considering earning their degree abroad, you can forward this issue.

Dear International Student,
Welcome to the latest edition of the TOEFL® access eNewsletter-a free monthly eNewsletter sent to thousands of subscribers around the world who are interested in studying in an English-speaking country!

IN THIS EDITION• He who chooses an unfamiliar path often finds hidden treasures • The United States is the top destination for international students--find out why.• Learn about cost of living in the United States and budgeting for your higher education.• Do you have the English listening skills you’ll need to succeed in college? • TOEFL iBT® tips

ON OUR WEB SITE: • Subscribe!• Featured Institutions• Student Success Stories• Ask a Question• Find an Institution

He who chooses an unfamiliar path often finds hidden treasuresMany foreign students take a very systematic approach in selecting an educational institution, considering factors such as rankings, tuition, and fees. This is necessary to the selection process; however, this “mechanical” method is just the beginning. It is very important to also consider your preferences and personal development goals. Click here.
The United States is the top destination for international students--find out why.An international student has plenty to consider before pursuing a U.S. academic degree. Click here
Learn about cost of living in the United States and budgeting for your higher education.The cost of living in the United States fluctuates significantly by region. Areas in and near large cities and on the East and West Coasts are the most expensive, while rural areas tend to be much less expensive. Click here
Do you have the English listening skills you’ll need to succeed in college? Listening Skills tools from ETS use questions taken from previously administered on the computer-based TOEFL tests to measure your understanding of mini-lectures, academic discussions, short conversations and more.
TOEFL iBT® TipsHere's a tip that can help you do your best on the LISTENING section of TOEFL iBT: Think about what each speaker hopes to accomplish: that is, what is the purpose of the speech or conversation? Is the speaker apologizing, complaining, making suggestions? Find more suggestions here... or practice now on TOEFL Practice Online.

Visit our message board and meet others in the TOEFL® access community.
Know someone who would benefit from this newsleter? Forward this newsletter to a friend.

VOA Special English News 4/24/2007

2007-04-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Tuberculosis Can Be Cured, But It Must Be Treated the Right Way
On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: If TB is not handled correctly, it can become resistant to drugs -- a serious problem in many countries. Second of two reports.Officials Hunt for an Explanation of Pet Food Scare
On AGRICULTURE REPORT: One theory is that ingredients contained a chemical to create appearance of higher protein levels.White Sands National Monument: A Wonder of Nature, in New Mexico
On THIS IS AMERICA: Explore an extreme desert environment in the American SouthwestAce in the Hole: Put on Your Poker Face
On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Terms that come from card games.Newest Warnings on Climate Change Present It as a Security Threat
On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: A study warns of risk to US. Also, the UN Security Council discusses climate change for the first time, though with dissent from some developing nations.Barbara Jordan, 1936-1996: A Powerful Voice for Justice and Social Change
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Jordan was the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress to represent Texas. In 1974, she gained national recognition as a member of the congressional committee investigating President Nixon.Issues After Killings at Virginia Tech Go Beyond Debate Over Gun Laws
On IN THE NEWS: Friday was an official day of mourning in Virginia for the 32 victims. It was also the eighth anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado.US Brings Two Trade Cases Against China
On ECONOMICS REPORT: American officials say the Chinese are not protecting intellectual property. China expresses "great regret" at the actions.Awards Recognize Young People Trying to Make the World a Better Place
Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A museum in Baltimore, Maryland, tells the story of the first railway and shipyard owned by African-Americans. And a question from Zimbabwe about the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.The Formula for Becoming a Pharmacist
On EDUCATION REPORT: A look at pharmacy education in the US, and the requirements for foreign-trained pharmacists. Part 33 of our Foreign Student Series.Civil Rights Movement: In the '60s, a Struggle for Equality in US
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Activists marched, held sit-in protests and led "freedom rides" to demand better treatment of black Americans. Martin Luther King Junior lived by the idea of nonviolence, but his murder led to riots in more than 100 cities.Vaccines: How They Work (and How Caterpillars Could Help)
On HEALTH REPORT: Most influenza vaccine is made in chickens eggs. But scientists are testing a design made from caterpillar cells.Eleanor Creesy Helped Guide One of the Fastest Sailing Ships Ever
On EXPLORATIONS: In 1851 the Flying Cloud set a record for sailing from New York to San Francisco. It made the trip in 89 days, 21 hours.

Our Audio-Video Conference Room Is Here

2007-04-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our three ESL students who participated in MaestroSersea's Online Audio-Video Conference Room and worked on a mini-lessn on careers.
The winners are:
1. Jisu
2. Vera
3. Natalia
They will soon participate in an awards ceremony where they will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Medals.
If you would like to participate in our free weekly online audio-video ESL conversations and tutoring workshop for our course, ESL Intermediate High, you can access the conference room by visiting:
http://www.teachmehelpme.com

2007-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

April 1st, 2007
No, we're not fooling you. Our website has been taken off-line. We're going to create a website through another web-host provider in order to be able to offer our visitors online classes through Moodle LMS, online classrooms with audio/video capabilities, and numerous other services. We'll let you know as soon as the site is online.
This website will be a part of the Teach Me Help Me Educational Services family, and it will offer quality online courses of American English for English Learners taught by MaestroSersea, who has a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in Teaching and Learning, and who is currently completing his second M.A. in English. MaestroSersea has taught for over 15 years and has received numerous recognitions and awards. He is currently licensed to teach English in California until 2012, and is working as an online high school English teacher and as an ESL Instructor at North Orange County Community College District.
Until then, please check out our previous posts, and feel free to let us know if you have any suggestions or if you'd like more information.

Writing Skills through Jane Schaffer

2006-03-29T00:59:00.000-08:00

Jane Schaffer has a formula for middle school and high school students who need to improve their skills in paragraph and essay writing. More than a thousand schools have used her method and her step-by-step teaching materials. Teachers of English Learners who wish to work on the paragraph and essay level and want to start with a formula guide should give Jane Schaffer a try. Here's her site: www.janeschafffer.com

Translating Online

2006-03-13T00:18:00.000-08:00

There are quite a number of online websites that deal with translation but I would personally recommend Babel Fish from Alta Vista. On this site, not only can you input words and sentences to have then instantly translated, but you can also type in or paste website addresses that you'd like translated into various languages. This is a great resource for parents and students who are not too confident in their English skills. Yet, just as any mechanical translation device, please beware - it's not 100% correct most of the times you use it. Please carefully check any online translations to ensure clarity and proper use of the language. Check out Babel Fish for yourself and let me know what you think:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Great Online Resource - VOA Special English

2006-03-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Improving reading, pronounciation, and knowledge of current events is possible for anyone with an internet connection or short-band radio, capable of reaching Voice of America.
I have been using VOA Special English programming for several weeks now with my ELD students, especially my Early Intermediate and Intermediate level ELD students. What's so great about VOA Special English? I'll write about this later, but for now, check out http://www.voaspecialenglish.com and see for yourself. If you're reluctant to go there yet, let me just say that it offers written and audio transcripts of news, with the option of actually downloading Mp3 or RealNetworks encoded sound. Let me know what you think of this...

Welcome to English Learners Online Official Blog

2006-03-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
Are you an English Learner, ELD/EFL Teacher, or school/district administrator who wishes to obtain information about learning English online? This blog accompanies www.englishlearnersonline.com, a website currently under construction, designed to assist with the learning of English through the internet through various materials and activities in a transformative, dynamic manner, rather than a drill and kill, static online platform. As the website is currently under construction and unavailable for your perusal, please check back regularly on this blog to learn about progress towards the opening of the site, as well as new materials, activities, and services offered. Until then, please check out the discussion board I've created for my English Language Development students and some of the SEI teachers at Lancaster High School, AVUHSD, California: http://englishlearners.proboards58.com
Please feel free to leave comments here, and if there are any specific topics you'd like me to cover, please post them.
Best wishes,
MaestroSersea aka Elvis