Writing and Technology

Technology has taken writing to a new height. One of the biggest changes I see is within the writing process. My students are eager and inspired when it is time to write. Their creativity is higher than ever. As I compare the writing process utilizing technology to the writing process using standard paper and pencil, my students and I have came across some advanyages. First, my students can spend more of their valuable time composing their writing piece instead of worrying about their handwriting. This is especially nice for those who have poor penmanship. Second, their language skills improve through the editing and revision steps because their are sites available on computers to boost their vocabulary and check their spelling. Lastly, my students actually feel like they get to publish their work. Before, publishing their work in my classroom was typing out their story and illustrating it. Now, they can add elements to their final product that adds more creativity, personality, and diversity.

Although technolgy has opened brand new doors, I still feel that it is important for students to occasionally write using the standard paper and pencil. There are times, ISTEP, when it is a necessity.

Email and Internet Projects

There are a number of ways that computers can foster student learning. Lets face it, children love computers! My students act like a kid in a candy store when they know we are going to the computer lab. Email is another way that students can increase their writing skills while having fun in the process. Students can connect with another child, keypal, from another school, state, or country. They can communicate back and forth with one another throughout the school year. They can learn about their school, culture, traditions, interests, hobbies, dreams, etc. They can share in each other's academic triumphs. Children can also spend time researching questions they have about related science and history topics by emailing experts. I love the idea of adopting a grandparent as a keypal. They could conduct interviews and report their findings to the class.

Overall, technology entices students to learn. I am a firm believer that learning will always take place when excitement is in the air.

Publishing Student Writing on the Internet

Publishing student writing on the Internet allows children to show case their work- stories, poems, art work, projects, etc. It allows children from around the world to connect with one another. Through this connection, children can discover that they are not so different from one another. They can celebrate their similarities and embrace their differences.

Publishing student writing on the Internet motivates children to go above and beyond their traditional writing within the classroom. They are able to include elements- graphics, audio and video clips, hyperlinks, etc- that add meaning to their writing. Their writing becomes more of who they are and not simply what the teacher required.

Blogging

Blogging opens the door for teachers and their students with endless possibilities. Blogging promotes reading and enhances writing skills. It allows children to sharpen their communication skills. Students are motivated and inspired as they communicate with "real" audiences. They feel that their thoughts are valued and purposeful. Blogging allows me to evaluate my student's work and provide them with almost immediate feedback.

There are several activities that came to my mind to use with blogging. First, in the past, I have distributed weekly newsletters. This newsletter was composed of current classroom activities, future important dates, the next week's lessons, and student news. Each student would contribute a current event to the newsletter. Blogging would be a great way for my students to collaborate with one another to compile a newsletter. Second, instead of using a bulletin board for my "Star Student," I could have one student each week compile their information on a blog. One great advantage here is that each student can create a blog that fits their character and personality. Also, their peers could make positive comments or ask them more questions. Finally, my students and I spend a lot of time focusing on themes surrounding our reading stories. Using a blog, I could post questions related to these themes and have my students post responses. We could have an ongoing discussion.

Finally, I would like to add that blogging is another way that every student can participate and feel successful. It gives each student the opportunity to use their voice and be heard.