Thing #11

I'm fascinated with Web 2.0 Tools. Figuring out how to use them in my classroom is my favorite part of writing lessons. I remember the old days when we were assigned projects and we had to figure out a way to make three-dimensional replicas of the solar system. Nowadays, instead of problem solving and using creativity to make hand made projects, students are using Web 2.0 tools to come up with crazy ways to show us, their teachers, how well they can apply critical thinking to concepts. 

Because I teach English, I'm constantly looking for ways my students can demonstrate how well they understand stories and elements in writing whether it be expository, persuasive, descriptive, or narrative. The two Web 2.0 tools that I found that I was completely new to were List N Play and Keepsy. Both of these would be awesome to use with any text. I like List N Play because you can create a playlist of songs and videos. I think it would be awesome if students could create an "Album" of sorts to chronicle a novel or a text. All of the songs and videos would have to relate to or demonstrate themes, characters, settings, or conflicts within the text. This would allow the students to connect something they are extremely familiar with, music and videos, to new knowledge and understanding. 

Keepsy is awesome too. As I went throught the "Keepsy Stories" I thought of my students and how they could "write" essays using photographs. The cool part about these "stories" are that they include a written element as well. This could easily count as analysis or an expository of their picture story. 

The EOC tests is kicking my kids' butts. They are having a hard time finding relevance in what the state is asking them to do. I think these two websites bridge that gap between expectations and real world connections. My department chair and appraiser need to be warned that these things will definitely be making an appearance in my classroom.