Instructional Techno 2-4

Volume 1, Issue 2
BVCPS

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November 2012

Using Technology to Inspire Writing in a Variety of Subject Areas

Sometimes getting our students to write is a frustrating task. Most kids dont like to write. They see it as a chore, rather than a fun way of expressing themselves. Here are some ways to use technology to make writing more fun. You can use these activities for creative writing or content based writing on a specific topic such as Ancient Greece, Simple Machines, or 2D geometric shapes. Word Clouds Word clouds are created when the user submits a group of words to a cloud creator. The words are combined graphically into a cloud enhanced by the use of color and font choices. Some ideas to get you started:

Inside this issue:

Feature Article: 1 Using Technology to Inspire Writing in a Variety of Subject Areas Recommended Apps 2

Compare and contrast the two word clouds.

Ask students create a word cloud on math vocabulary for the unit on geometric shapes. Ask students to create a cloud that demonstrates equivalent numbers 1/2, .5, 4/8, 5/10, 50%, etc. (Tagxedo) Ask students to list the characteristics of an animal or habitat. Have students create a word cloud using weather vocabulary.

Word cloud creators: Wordle (best for younger students) Tagxedo Comics Using comics to inspire writing is easy and students typically enjoy this form of writing. Comics can be used in every subject area. Some of the ways comics can be used: Practice new vocabulary words Illustrate a book read for class Autobiographical The Jamestown Adventure Life in Ancient Rome Animals of the Rainforest

Give the students an unusual object, have them describe the object using nothing but adjectives. Choose the silhouette of the object for the shape of the cloud (Tagxedo). Give the students a word and have them create a cloud with all the synonyms or antonyms they know. Ask half the class to create a word cloud on Ancient Greece and the other half one on Ancient Rome.

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Instructional Technology

Using Technology to Inspire Writing in a Variety of Subject Areas

(cont from page 1)
Tour of the Solar System Illustrate math word problems Explain how to solve a problem using long division. There are several different comics creators which are available online for free. Each one offers something different and is more appropriate for different lessons.

tors is that work can be saved and no email address needed to register. Comics Lab Extreme Create a comic on any topic using the library of backgrounds, props, characters, etc. provided through this free online activity. Students must register first to use the site and will need an email address. Comics can be saved and reopened /edited at any time.

Good for longer, more involved or detailed content based comics MakeBeliefsComix Students are limited to 3 panels per strip. But strips can be joined together to create serial stories which students could add to each class. Limited options available but still produces cute comics.

Garfield Comics Lab Best for shorter comics as this is limited to 3 panes. Characters are from the Garfield cartoons, but kids can modify an adult character to create their own character. Advantage over other 3 pane crea-

Recommendations
iPad Apps A Novel IdeaApp guides user through the process of character development, location, scenes with detailed questions that create a detailed, well-thought out story background. Inspiration Maps Litethe free iPad version of the graphic organizer Inspiration. Students use brainstorming to create mind maps and turn them into a detailed outline with one touch. The app comes with premade templates such as cycle diagram, compare and contrast, persuasive essay, biography, and many, many more. Space Images for iPadFrom NASA, amazing images of space, planets, stars and more. Moon GlobeTurns the iPad into a precision instrument for viewing the moon. GoSkyWatch Planetarium for iPadPersonal telescope to stars, planets, constellations and more. Use at night and take pictures for class the next day. SkyView FreeExplore the UniverseAward winning app lets you experience the world of the night sky using augmented reality. NASA App HDThousands of images, on-demand videos, live streaming and more from NASA. Educreations Interactive WhiteboardBest whiteboard app Ive seen. You can import pictures to annotate and record what you want to say as well as draw. Create lessons which can be emailed, embedded on a website or shared through a free online Educreations account. Civil War Rifling Machine (1853) - provides a detailed look at the 1853 Robins & Lawrence Rifling Machine using real-time 3D.