Using 21st Century Technology Tools to Inspire and Improve Student Writing
Description: In this course, we will explore the ways in which technology tools such as podcasting, blogging and wikis can be used to help students find their voice as writers in both analytical and creative work. Participants will be shown a variety of successful projects and will learn the applications through hands on activities. Ultimately, participants will develop new lessons using one or more of the tools presented in the course.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Expectations:
Students are expected to attend and participate in all 4 days of the course, read the assigned articles, contribute to the class network and personal blog, and create a final project within 2 weeks of the last day of the course.
Text: Freedman, Terry et.al. Coming of Age: An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. Terry Freedman ltd. 2006 [http://fullmeasure.co.uk/comingofage.htm].
Requirements: Three 1-2 paragraph reflections for each class, Six 1 paragraph comments on at least one other student’s entry. Three 1-2 paragraph blog entries, one Lesson Plan, one Unit Plan.
Grading Criteria:
Course Syllabus… two graduate credits (24 hours)
Day 1- June 23rd, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Activities
Intro Concept of Web 2.0/Read Write Web.
Learn how to create and join a social network.
Learn how to set up an RSS Aggregator.
Learn how to find blogs of interest.
Join the class network.
Write an introduction.
Comment on at least one classmates' introduction.
Reading:
Freedman, Terry et.al. Coming of Age: An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. Terry Freedman ltd. 2006 [http://fullmeasure.co.uk/comingofage.htm]. pages 25-31; 37-54.
Homework:
Read 3 different bloggers.
Reflect, write, read and respond to the day’s activities using an Online workspace.
Write a blog post reflecting on what you have read.
Read and respond to at least two classmates’ posts.
Day 2 - June 24th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Activities
Discuss readings.
Introduce Google Docs and Google Presentations.
Learn how to create and collaborate on a Google Document and Google Presentation.
Introduce Wikis.
Learn how to create a wiki.
Practice using Google Docs and Wikispaces.
Reading:
Freedman, Terry et.al. Coming of Age: An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. Terry Freedman ltd. 2006 [http://fullmeasure.co.uk/comingofage.htm]. pages 83-90.
Homework:
Work collaboratively to create a Google Presentation on assigned article.
Reflect, write, read and respond to the day’s activities using an Online workspace.
Write a blog post reflecting on what you have read.
Read and respond to at least two classmates’ posts.
Day 3 - June 25th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Activities
Groups will present on their assigned article.
Introduce Podcasting
Learn how to find and listen to pocasts
Learn how to create a podcast.
Write and record a Podcast
Reading:
Freedman, Terry et.al. Coming of Age: An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. Terry Freedman ltd. 2006 [http://fullmeasure.co.uk/comingofage.htm]. pages 59-77.
Homework:
Pick Unit/topic for final project. Bring materials to class.
Reflect, write, read and respond to the day’s activities using the class network.
Write a blog post reflecting on what you have read.
Read and respond to at least two classmates’ posts.
Day 4 - June 26th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Activities
Share unit ideas, brainstorm, reflect, respond to ideas.
Write up Unit description, objectives, and materials/tools.
Write up one lesson for the unit.
Explore and setup Online tools that will be used for the Unit.
Course reflections – next steps.
Homework:
Final Unit Plan project due in 2 weeks (July 10th).