Tuesday's Tech Teaser
Think about your own teaching situation, and briefly describe one way that you can use technology to help your students write more effectively. Specifically, how can you address the needs of your ELLs?
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Here is where we will post our ideas and reflections on ELLs and writing, especially with respect to digital writing. Creating class blogs is easy and gives students choice, flexibility, and autonomy in their writing, as well as the knowledge that writing can empower them to interact with their world.
I don't always feel comfortable using digital technology in the classroom. After exploring digital web sites and apps, I plan on using a few of these this year in my classroom. Make Beliefs Comix is one website I plan on exploring and allowing my students to use. They can write narratives, create eBooks, and practice writing through comic strips. I feel the students love writing using this fun and creative approach.
ReplyDeleteI had never given much attention to digital technology as a resource that could be used in a classroom effectively, but now I have come to realize that digital technology can be used as a powerful tool for reinforcement of concepts.
ReplyDeleteRight now, my program is less technology centered than anything I've ever done. I have 45 minutes to review a previously read book, do word work, writing, introduce new book and let the students read. It moves very fast and I have to hit specific skills and content. However, I also include YouTube videos when they connect to what we read. I have given the students other articles or websites to review just to add to or build on what we have already discussed. I would like to try to start a classroom blog that students could use to share their reflections. I love Edmodo and I know that lots of classrooms in my county use Edmodo as a classroom writing network.
ReplyDeleteTechnology in the classroom is not always the easiest due to the lack of resources. However, I do see the benefits of using them because the students do get excited about using it and it allows students to gain knowledge beyond the classroom textbooks. One of the websites that I find my kids really love is Scholastic Story Starters. This generates a topic for them and if they dislike the topic they can regenerate it until the find a topic they like! I am looking to use this in my class this year based on the students who introduced it to me this past year!
ReplyDeleteI have used technology more for reading than for writing, and am not familiar with many online writing applications. I look forward to learning about what is available to help my students become more effective writers.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, my ELLs just need to write more in math. We never did any writing last year and I need to make sure that doesn't happen again this year. The LMS we use in Talbot County has a discussion board feature that I'm interested in using. I've decided that this year, our warm-ups will be questions that require students to write, infer, and think critically--pattern talks, which one doesn't belong, estimation, etc. All of these are conducive to written responses, not just showing computation, and they don't require a pencil and paper to fully respond.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, I tend to steer away from technology because of the lack of devices in my county. However when this technology becomes widely available, it would be a great classroom tool. Every morning, students start their day by eating breakfast and writing in their journals. Some days I prompt the students on what to write, while other days the students have a choice of topic. Blogging would be a great alternative to this. It would be more motivating for students and would allow more accessibility for both myself and family members. I have also found some letter formation applications on the iPad. These would be great tools for my EL friends, as the apps are less verbally and more visually prompting when it comes to formation directions.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, this was posted by Brian :)
DeleteDue to the lack of fine motor skills, and the increasing presence of technology in homes, I tend to stay away from technology usage in my class. I focus on hands-on activities that help my students develop the muscles in their hands, while learning and practicing things we have learned in the classroom. I do believe that as technology advances and becomes a dominate part of our world today, it is important to give students authentic experiences in learning that allow them not only to use technology, but teach them how to use technology effectively and appropriately. I am not opposed to using technology in authentic, beneficial ways to help my students develop deeper understandings, but I do believe there needs to be a balance, and that students need to learn how to function without it. Finding apps and websites that support early writing opportunities could help not only my ELLs, but all of my beginning writers!
ReplyDeleteI currently use technology in my classroom, mostly for reading activities. I hope to be able to include a technology writing center in my class. Students will be able to do a rotation after being taught how to use the program. As my class schedule is full this would be the best way to include a digital writing activity in my class, not only for my ELLs, but to include my whole class. I thought this would be a good way to get them interested in writing, using some of the apps or websites we find during class this week.
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