The Digital Writer's Workshop
revisioning the writing workshop
How can I use technology and digital resources throughout the writing process?
"If we engage students in real writing tasks and we use technology in such a way that it complements their innate need to find purposes and audiences for their work, we can have them engaged in a digital writing process that focuses first on the writer, then on the writing, and lastly on the technology." (Troy Hicks 2009)
Other Questions to Guide Your Thinking
How are the processes and expectations similar in digital and print texts? How are they different?
How can I teach digital writing workshop expectations so that students are able to remain on task while use technology respectfully?
Will assessment look differently?
Given limitations on technology equipment in the classroom, how will all of my students have equal access?
How will I manage privacy concerns?
Reasons Why We Should Use Technology in Writer's Workshop:
- Allows students to connect with each other and distribute writing to much larger audiences
- Easily accessible at any time
- Stored electronically
- State content level standards are heading in this direction - naming a number of genres that students should read and write in, including blogs, wikis or digital stories
Digital Resources
- Blogs
- Wiki Spaces
- Google Docs
- Collaborative Word Processors
- Social Bookmarks
- Podcasts
- iMovie
- iTunes
References & Recommended Readings
Hicks, Troy (2009). The Digital Writing Workshop. Central Michigan University: Heinemann
Hicks, Troy (2013): Crafting Digital Writing. Central Michigan University: Heinemann