Q: Do you know a technology to make a process of watching video materials for students active?

A: The researchers from Leeds University, Vania Dimitrova and Lydia Lau, designed a system I-CAW that gives you semantic linked data at the end. Meanwhile you can use this tool to have your students posting comments while watching the video on Youtube.  Students are labeling their comments with a corresponding aspect. You as a teacher design the aspects to emphasize the outcomes. This tool transforms students experience from passive to active. Read more

Q: What technology is available to improve students' writing strategies?

A: There is an option, as I discovered, to contact local researchers at the university who are developing educational technology tools. At Arizona State university we are fortunate to have a Learning Science Institute. Recently I started implementing W-Pal, a writing tutor, in collaboration with Danielle McNamara group at LSI ASU, in the student success class for freshmen. This intelligent tutoring system helps students to make their written communication more effective. http://www.soletlab.com/ I encourage you to expand your network in the direction of artificial intelligence in educational technology - the resources are there.