Concurrent Session #6 - Exciting Writing with Technology Tools

Fran Mauney - Formerly a first grade teacher, now working with Title 1 schools integrating technology in the classrooms.

Check her wiki for more workshops, handouts and more. Most activities seem geared for elementary school but many ideas could be adapted for older students.



Fun Activities:

Make classroom books - use your own photographs. Print and bind to send home or maybe create e-books



Integrate Technology with Writing Menus: (Layered Curriculum)

1. Look at your standards


2. Decide what your students have to learn for this unit


3. Use multiple intelligence verbs to design projects

Cross-curricular units - create graphs, writing samples, create t-searches (t-shirts with iron ons), etc. Students choose from a variety of projects in different categories to earn points for their unit. Some students are better in some areas than others. Allow them to choose the best way to express their knowledge of the subject.



Creating Wikis:

Can be used as part of Writing Menus. Students could have assignments to find websites, post writing, edit writings, upload pictures. Get started with www.pbwiki.com or www.wikispaces.com



Technology "Toys" to Inspire Writing:

• Promethean Board
• Intel Microscope
• Kidpix, Kidspiration, Photo Fantasy, http://www.mywebspiration.com/
• Interactive Lessons
• Laptops
• Karaoke Machine
• CD Player or iPod
• Digital Cameras to record stories
• MovieMaker
• Document Cameras
• Video cameras
• (not technology, but Immersion Table)