This week, I have had the task of reviewing and responding on two educational tools and how they can be used for reading and writing in the classroom. With so many tools available, it can be a challenge in choosing the right tools. In “Technology to Teach Literacy,”(p. 51) it offers tips for choosing the right tools. First, teachers need to determine what they want to address in the lesson. Next, they should decide what type of tool they would like to use (word processor, spreadsheet, electronic presentation, etc). Last, the objectives need to be matched to the computer functions, such as a mind-mapping tool could be used for brainstorming.
In the text, “Literacy 2.0: Reading and writing in 21st Century Classrooms,”( p. 75-76) it mentions Make Beliefs Comix (http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/) as a tool that can be used to increase reading and writing in the classroom. Make Beliefs Comix is a free electronic comic strip maker that helps students communicate through digital storytelling. A variety of characters and props are provided and students can share, print, and save their comics. Digital citizenship is a topic covered in my course. When introducing this unit, I have students create comics on different topics so that they can “act” out the specific concept. Storytelling is a great tool for visual representation.
If you are looking for an alternative to Make Beliefs Comix, Toon Doo (http://www.toondoo.com/) and Pixton (http://www.pixton.com/ca/) are great alternatives.
The other tool I chose to review is Grammark (http://grammark.org/dist/#/ ). What a neat tool! Grammark allows students to paste text and then analyzes what they have written. Grammark provides a variety of categories such as grammar, transitions, wordiness, etc. Students can then see exactly what needs to be corrected and defines the issue for them. Even though I teach technology, there are different writing assignments incorporated into my curriculum. I have a wide variety of students in my classroom and a tool like this helps assist students with writing. This tool is especially useful for students who struggle with writing and need assistance.
I am still amazed at the amount of tools that are available to increase reading and writing in the classroom and can’t wait to utilize them in my classroom.
Anderson, R., & Grant, M. (2008). Technology to teach literacy: A resource for K-8 teachers (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.
Frey, N., Fisher, D., & Gonzalez, A. (2010). Literacy 2.0: Reading and writing in 21st century classrooms. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
Kim,
ReplyDeleteIntegrating reading and writing into your technology course is exactly what you should be doing. Many teachers encounter the opposite challenge. They struggle with integrating technology in courses that are primarily focused on reading and writing skills. With your experience, what advice can you give them?
Dr. Dell
Dr. Dell,
DeleteI never really thought about how difficult it could be for core teachers to incorporate technology into their classroom. That really is a difficult question because it is a constant struggle to stay on top of current technology.
I first figure out what exactly I want my students to get out of the lesson, how much time I want it to take, and then how I can use technology for it. Staying on top of technology is very difficult.
First, I communicate with my PLC (the other middle school technology teachers in the district). We have a Schoology course where we constantly share resources and lessons. We meet about 8 times a year and always have new resources to share with each other or new ways to use a tool in a new way.
Second, you can’t be afraid to try new technology. Some teachers are terrified of it. I will tell my students that we are going to try something new, so be patient! Students are really good about trying new technology and it is a learning experience for all of us. They will give you really good feedback about what they thought about it too.
However, when trying new resources, I always have a backup plan. Yes, it can be difficult to have a backup plan, but once you start finding what works for you, it gets much easier.
Last, I am constantly using Google, YouTube, following blogs and on Twitter to find and learn about new resources.
Hope that helps any of you struggling to find the right resources!
I enjoyed your post. I have looked at Toon Doo in the past and it seems like a very fun alternative to traditional writing projects. I tried Grammark thanks to your handy link. After pasting in my blog post, I was pleasantly surprised at the feedback it gave me. I found two key areas that I need to work on. I love that it gives not only feedback, but solutions to grammar issues (mine was wordiness). I also liked your introductory paragraph. I have had a hard time finding ways to introduce my writing in a way which someone who was not in this class would understand why I was writing about this particular subject.
ReplyDeleteKimberly,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on choosing the right tool. It can be challenging to know and decide which tool is best for the lesson or for teaching a standard. I feel like this is a daily struggle for me since there is so much available. I am very fortunate to work in a school district that promotes technology and is willing to purchase programs and computers, but sometimes the amount of available tools clouds the goal I am trying to achieve. (I know this is a very good problem to have though!)
Grammark sounds like a tool that could benefit my middle school students, especially those with IEPs. They struggle with grammar, transitions, and wordiness and it looks like this tool could help the editing process. Since I am not currently teaching language classes, I will be sure to pass this tool along to my coworker.
Sara V
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I agree that teachers need to keep their focus on what the goal of the lesson is, and then find tools to help students reach that goal. My students are obsessed with graphic novels. I know that incorporate creating comic strips into my curriculum would definitely keep my students engaged and excited about their learning.
Grammark seems like an amazing tool as well. I think it would be awesome for my students to receive feedback on their writing in such a fast way! I often struggle during writing because I feel like I am pulled in so many different directions, trying to help my students do the best they can in writing. Grammark would help students catch spelling and grammar mistakes quicker than I can!
Thank you for sharing some awesome tools!
Christine
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. Your introduction is great and the tools that you shared are wonderful. I have used toondoo with my students. They love it and they have created some wonderful cartoons in Spanish. My students like to use it when they are learning introductions in Spanish. They also enjoy powtoons, this is a great tool as well if you have never used it before. I want to thank you for sharing about Make Beliefs Comix I have never used this tool before. I was able to check it out and I am excited to use this with my students, especially since it also is offered in several different languages. Thank you for sharing.
I've used make beliefs comix before and my students loved it. It allowed them to take the knowledge they have learned in class and create a comical respresentation of it in their own way. At the time I allowed my students to choose between this, creating a poster, and creating a powerpoint presentation. About half of my students chose make beliefs comix. Definitely a good tool that allows students to reflect on their own learning while presenting to an audience. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your feedback and comments!
ReplyDeleteCheryl and Christina,
I’m glad ToonDoo worked for you! I had trouble with it the 2 days I used it. I am definitely going to try it again. Make Beliefs Comix is always my fall back option. It works and my students have fun with it!