Using 21st Century Technology Tools to Inspire and Improve Student Writing


Instructors:

Elizabeth B. Davis

Christy Kerr


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 a unit using one or more of the tools presented in the course.

 

Texts: 

Students will choose from the following list of books and complete a reading assignment. Students may start this assignment at anytime, prior to, during or after the course. 


Selected Readings from the online book: Coming of Age: An introduction to the NEW worldwide web. by Terry Freedman et.al. [http://fullmeasure.co.uk/comingofage.htm].


Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will


Expectations:

Students are expected to attend and participate in all 4 days of the course, read the assigned articles, contribute reflections to the class Online network, and complete the final assignments (Lesson Plan, Unit Plan, Action Plan, Book Reflection) within 3 weeks of the last day of the course.


Grading Criteria:

 


Course Syllabus… two graduate credits (24 hours)


Day 1- June 23rd, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)


Description

Day one will begin with the introduction of the concept of Web 2.0.  Teachers will learn about social networks, RSS and blogging. We will discuss the new information literacies and include information regarding the ethical considerations of collaborative projects, copyright issues, internet safety practices and how to ensure students are aware of and following the school's Acceptable Use Policy.


Desired outcomes:

By the end of class students will


Frameworks: 

Instructional Technology Standards: Standard 2 (5-8) 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.11, 2.14,

Instructional Technology Standards: Standard 2 (9-12) 2.17, 2.18, 2.20

Homework:
Reading:

Reflection:

 

 


Day 2 - June 24th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)

Description

We will begin with a discussion of the reading done for homework and answer questions.  We will introduce Online collaborative writing tools such as Google Docs, Google presentation, and Wikis.  In doing so, we will also discuss ways to validate a website for authenticity, protect your personal information and use search engines effectively.


Desired Outcomes

By the end of class students will be able to:


Frameworks:

Instructional Technology Standard 2: (5-8) 2.12
Instructional Technology Standard 2: (9-12) 2.19
Instructional Technology Standard 3: (5-8) 3.3, 3.7, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11
Instructional Technology Standard 3:  (9-12) 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.17

Homework:

Reading: 

Reflection:

 


Day 3 - June 25th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Description:

We will begin with a discussion of the reading done for homework and answer questions.  Today we will introduce Podcasting and learn how to find, listen and create a Podcast.   In addition, we will explore a variety of online tools such as flow charts, bubble maps, and other organizers that help students develop writing through focused planning.


Desired outcomes:

By the end of the class students will be able to:


Frameworks

Composition - General Framework 21: Revising (5-6) 21.4; (7-9) 21.6; (9-12) 21.8


Homework:

Reading:

Reflection:

 


Day 4 - June 26th, 2008 8:00am - 2:30pm (half hour for lunch)
Description
Today we will share unit ideas, brainstorm, reflect, and respond to each other's plans.  Teachers will write up and share a draft of the unit plan, action plan and lesson with teachers from similar disciplines.  Teachers will begin setting up the online tools that will be used for the final project.  Teachers will complete a course reflection at the end of the day.

 

Desired Outcomes:

By the end of the class students will:


Frameworks:

Instructional Technology Standards: Standard 2 (5-8) 3.8, 3.9

Instructional Technology Standards: Standard 2 (9-12) 3.19, 3.20
Composition - General Framework 21: Revising (5-6) 21.4; (7-9) 21.6; (9-12) 21.8


Homework:
Final Assignments due in 3 weeks (July 17th).


 


Course Requirements:

All assignments should be written using a 21st Century Technology tool learned in this course, and shared Online with the instructors.


Attendance

Attendance and full participation, both Online and offline, at all classes.


Reflections and Comments

Your reflective posts and responses should be thorough and thoughtful. Support your statement with examples, experiences, or references. Make certain that in all your posts and responses you address the question, problem, or situation as presented for discussion. This does not mean you should not extend the topic, but do not stray from the topic. Discussions occur when there is dialogue. So, build upon the posts and responses of other learners to create discussion threads. Make sure you revisit the discussion forum and respond (if necessary) to what other learners have posted to your initial responses. When relevant, add to the discussion by including prior knowledge, teaching experiences, references, Web sites, resources, etc. (giving credit when appropriate).

Unit Plan Assignment:
(For this assignment you may adapt a unit that you already teach or create a new unit.)

Teachers will design a unit which focuses on an essential question from their curriculum. Teachers will create an Online collaborative space using Ning, a wiki or another networking tool. Teachers will identify the objectives of the unit, and describe what students will know and understand by the end of the unit. The technology integration will support higher level thinking skills of both teacher and student.  Teachers will design and describe both formative and summative assessments which use one or more of the technology tools learned in this course. Teachers will write a reflection explaining the ways that the technology tools used will enhance and improve student writing. Teachers will indicate which of the State frameworks will be addressed by the unit.

Action Plan Assignment:
Teachers will map out an action plan for implementing their unit in the following school year. The action plan will include a timeline for the planning and implementation of the unit, including when materials will be gathered, Online tools will be set up, when the unit will commence and when it will end. Teachers will include the goals of the unit and a description of the desired learning outcomes. Teachers will consider potential obstacles to the success of the unit and describe the ways they plan to address those challenges. Teachers will include the supports available at their school, including people and resources, that will help them to achieve their objectives.

Lesson Plan Assignment:
Teachers will choose one lesson from their unit and describe it in detail. The lesson plan will include the essential questions for the lesson, the desired learning outcomes, the materials needed for the lesson, the procedure, and the assessments. The lesson plan will include a description of how it will improve student achievement through the use of technology.  The lesson includes a detailed rubric for rating student productivity with clearly defined expectations.

Book Reflections:
By the fourth day of class you must have selected one book from the list below.  During the two week period immediately following class, you must read your book and write at least 4 reflective blog entries or podcasts about the book. Your reflections can include your questions about the material, ideas for curriculum integration, thoughts about the books relationship to what you learned in the course and/or your critical assessment of the author's arguments. Please read the blog posts of at least 2 other classmates and add your own thoughts by posting a comment on their blog.

Students will choose from the following list of books and complete the Book Reflection Students may start this assignment at anytime, prior to, during or after the course.