Writing with Technologies
Using Concept Maps and Blogs
Writing is composed of:
- Setting Goals
- Planning
- idea Organization
- Composition of Text
- Editing
Visual Organizers or Concept Mapping
Brainstorming before you write is a commonly accepted part of writing. Computers can make this easier by using valuable websites. Pictures showing different ideas allows for the students to mentally break it down.
- C-Map (http://cmap.ihmc.us)
- Kidspiration (www.inspiration.com)
- MindMeister (www.mindmeister.com)
- Visual Thesaurus (www.visualthesaurus.com)
- NoodleTools (www.noodletools.com)
- Wordle (www.wordle.com)
Posting Writing with Technology
Web Logs or Blogs for short engage and support meaningful communication and feedback among students. Students are allowed to comment and engage in a dialogue instead of a one sided monologue.
Benefits of using Blogs in classrooms:
- Providing the classroom experience beyond the "walls" of the classroom
- Posting on a blog may appeal to different learning styles
- Blogging could enhance the expertise of the blogger on a targeted subject
- Blogging and the evidence of outside readers and their comments can be motivating to writers.
- Promoting self and critical reflection
- Promoting collaboration
- Development of virtual communities between learners
Successful Collaborative Writing Tips
- Structure activities at the beginning of the project to build cohesion among the collaborators and to establish positive interpersonal relationships.
- Help the collaborators work out effective meeting or working procedures.
- Establish the expectations for participation in the project before it begins.
- Pay attention to the students who are more susceptible to marginalize, isolate, or be left out.
- Have students use the collaborative writing software for a "test" project before embarking on a major collaborative writing task.