Friday, October 22, 2010

Using Technology in Writing and Reading

This is from the UCTE/LA conference at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
A Teacher's Digital Life: How to Use Technology in a Writing and Reading Classroom--Mat Wenzel
Reasons teachers should use technology in the classroom:
It's the language of the natives.
It's easier to share/adapt files.
It's what kids know/ are familiar with.
It can be a reluctant learner magnet.
It is part of the work place and global economy.

Why teachers don't use technology in the classroom:
Intimidated/afraid.
Lack of resources/access to computers.
Too complicated.
Requires extra time/too time consuming.
"It's just bells and whistles."

Social networking (for book nerds):
www.librarything.com
www.goodreads.com
www.shelfari.com
You can export your libraries as an Excel spreadsheet from one site to another.
You can have students do this, starting with adding the books you are reading in class, to create a classroom community.

Google-many resources besides just searching!

data storage site: www.dropbox.com

http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/StoryTools
--Bubbler: http://www.pimpampum.net/bubblr/ (Image drop easy create your own comic strip).
http://www.bitstrips.com/ (you can create yourself as a cartoon character or create other characters and create a comic strip).
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com (Simpler format/more limited to create comic strips).
He had students use bitstrips to create a comic strip of themselves and tell about themselves and what they will contribute to the class at the beginning of the year.

Mat Wenzel's website/blog:
http://www.misterdoubleyou.com
http://weber.k12.ut.us/mawenzel

Literacy with an Attitude-Patrick J. Finn (A recommended book).

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Funny things students say/do:

  • A Pronoun is a noun who has lost his amateur status.
  • Did we do anything yesterday when I was gone?