Today we'll focus on two main things, writing and creating a blog.
If you already have a blog, this may be a great opportunity to work on it, add to it, or simply show it to the reast of the faculty.
You may also create a podcast to go with your blog, to reach out to learners who struggle with reading.
Hopefully, our writing section of the session will be of immense help for you, too. (The writing section is created based on an MLTI workshoop led by Barbara Greenstone)
Session Starter: What are three things you can do in three minutes? Take two minutes to think of them, and then tell you partner about them, as a one minute-story. Take turns.
Writing Digitally:
How has the digital writing process changed how we teach and learn about writing - for better or for worse?
Pros
- Easier to manipulate text so students are more likely to make real revision
- Collaboration and discussion of writing more likely through sharing abilities and projection devices
- Ability to easily include illustration, graphics, etc.
- Wider variety of publishing possibilities without specialized equipment
- Authentic and world-wide audiences
Cons
- Earlier work may be lost through the revision process making it impossible to compare earlier and later drafts or revert.
- Dependence on spell-check and grammar check
- Deterioration of handwriting skills
Select a topic to debate
- Write down any ideas you have (in the next 3 minutes) about this topic, anything you know or anything related.
- Compare your list with your partner's. Share ideas.
- Activate your knowledge, and learn more. Use idebate.org
(Click on the topic to visit the site:
-
Arrange your thinking using bubbl.us for visual concept-mapping. Save file to your computer. (Create a folder on your desktop if this will help you be more organized.)
- Write the first draft, save it as PDF (go to Print, then select Save As PDF and point to the folder you created earlier)
- Submit your draft for reviews and comments to drop.io. (You will need password to get in: use "emints")
- Read others' drafts and give constructive feedback.
Set up a blog at Blogger.com. (You will use your google account username and password to sign in).
You may wish to revisit the first draft of your writing assignment and polish it to make it ready to be posted on your blog. Invite others to comment on your post. Select a topic for your students too. You may use one of the following websites for ideas.
Ideas for writing prompts:
Writing Prompts and Journal Topics
Daily Writing Prompts
Writing and Blog Prompts
Ideas for front-loading - helping students get ideas about a subject:
Big Universe
Kids' Place
Uploading ....