Ways technology can be used
Planning Process
For a writing unit, students had to create their own narrative using Ezra Jack Keat's book, Peter's Chair, as a mentor text. Keat's book is centered around an experience Peter has with his family members. Students had to think of an experience they had with one or more family members and use that to craft a narrative. During this unit students used the Voice Recorder app on iTouches to plan their story. Students recorded their ideas while sharing with a partner.
Publishing
In science students had to work in a group to create a movie about changes people observe throughout the different seasons. Each person in the group was assigned a season to research. Students recorded their findings in an observation journal. They used the internet and books to learn about what people can do, see and wear in the particular season. Then students used their knowledge to design a background scene depicting the appropriate weather patterns and clothing people wear. To prepare for the video, students wrote a script and practiced reading it to increase fluency. With the help of an adult, students used Videolicious to record their movie.
Editing Peer Work
Students used Voicethread to comment on their peer's writing. They used a class created 5 Star Writing Rubric to evaluate the work.
Communicating with other authors
Students SKYPED with Mariana Llanos author of the book The Wanting Monster. They had a chance to listen to her read her book and ask her questions about the writing process.