Jul
13
Written by:
Instructional Technology
7/13/2010 9:47 AM
By: Dana Levesque
As our Inspired Writing teachers become savvier and more selective with the writing tools they choose to use. We are seeing the power some writing tools have with their simple access and pervasive use in our schools.
Many online writing tools used to require student accounts and fees. Now the writing tool of choice is free, more robust and easy to use. A few tools that I have seen used in our Littleton Public Schools Inspired Writing Classrooms are:
By: Dana Levesque
As our Inspired Writing teachers become savvier and more selective with the writing tools they choose to use. We are seeing the power some writing tools have with their simple access and pervasive use in our schools.
Many online writing tools used to require student accounts and fees. Now the writing tool of choice is free, more robust and easy to use. A few tools that I have seen used in our Littleton Public Schools Inspired Writing Classrooms are:
- TitanPad : allows 8-10 students to work on one document simultaneously (brainstorming, peer editing, synthesizing information…), color codes each user to easily view participation, has a time slider to go back and view how the discussion was generated, basic chat feature, import/export feature…
- Wallwisher : Discussing a new idea? Taking notes? Giving feedback? Voicing opinion? Wallwisher is a great way for every student to be a part of the conversation.
Online Writing Tools with even more potential:
- Twiddla and Dabbleboard : Similar qualities to TitanPad but with many additional features suited for the writing process. Ability to draw shapes to make graphic organizers for brainstorming. Images and documents can be added as resources. Twiddla in addition has the ability to add widgets and also looks promising for our math classes. Its robust mathematical formula tab in addition to a grid that can be used in conjunction with drawing tools gives students and teachers a collaborative math work space.
Lastly, this past year I have also observed our students becoming savvier and taking ownership in trying to develop the tools they use in their writing class. For example, students have emailed Wallwisher to give suggestions on new features they would like to see. Our students ARE part of the conversation and many times leading it.
Thank you to our Inspired Writing Teachers who daily do the great work with our students.
Dana Levesque – District Technology Integration Specialists