You are on page 1of 83

1

LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST


Journal of the
LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF ISTE
International Society for Technology in Education
Spring 2014
V1 N2


2

LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST
Journal of the
LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF ISTE
International Society for Technology in Education
Spring 2014
V1 N2

Rights and Permissions
Submitting writers assure the journal that the works they provide for
inclusion are their own and present no infringements on any rights
associated with them. Submitting writers assure that these works are
original and the property of the submitter (unless otherwise specified) and
their submission represents no violation of copyright or trademark or other
variety of intellectual property rights, anywhere. Submitting writers retain
rights to their work, other than for inclusion in this journal, for which they
receive no compensation. All parties interested in reprinting or republishing
these works, in whole or in part, should contact the submitting writer
directly. The journal will not be responsible for rights issues or
considerations associated with the works that appear in it, which are the sole
responsibility of the submitting writers. The sole purpose of the journal is to
promote the professional knowledge of educators, is free of any commercial
considerations, and does not seek to promote any products or services
offered anywhere for profit or other consideration.
Submissions

Those interested in submitting articles for inclusion in this journal should
first submit a summary to: literacyspecialinterest@gmail.com, putting the
words Journal Article Summary in the subject field of the email. On
receiving feedback from the journal, prospective submitters may complete
and submit a full manuscript.
3


Table of Contents
Forward
Editor, Mark Gura Page 4
Text Meets Video in the Blogosphere: Complex Informational
Content for Todays Students
By Dr. Rose Reissman Page 6
Using Creative Technology to Engage Struggling Readers and
Writers as Producers of Literature
By Melinda Kolk Page 12
The Future Is In Their Hands: Using Cell Phones for Literacy
Learning
by Lisa Nielsen and Willyn Webb Page 21
Boosting Oral Language Fluency through Technology Intensive
Literature Exploration (TILE), a Learning Centers Approach
By Kevin Amboe Page 32
Learning to Teach with Edmodo: Social Networking-based
Activities
by Kathy D. Shields Page 44
Using Online Discussions to Develop Literacy Skills and
Integrate the NETs
Sandra Wozniak Page 54
Student Led Podcast Projects Make Common Core Literacy skills
Come Alive
by Dr. Rose Reissman Page 64
Using Technology To Enhance Reading Skills For English
Language Learners
By Kimberly M. Thomas Page 74

4

Forward
It wasnt so long ago that teachers debated the relative value of online
content vs. serious and worthwhile print materials like the NY Times. A
funny thing has happened over the past few years though, the Times has
become the very kind of online content that those educators puzzled and
worried about. In fact, its probably one of the best examples we can find of
how the experience of reading has evolved organically, as digital
communication technologies have become more and more functional,
available, and popular.
The Times publishes its paper primarily online now and proudly and deftly
embeds videos, photo slideshows, and other varieties of digital media in its
pages to accompany prose journalism and opinion content. Hyperlinks offer
the reader paths out of the paper and alter and enrich its format. Ancillary
blogs expand its daily content and offer the reader the opportunity to
comment directly to writers and other readers alike who, in turn, may just
as easily respond to comments and suggest further reading. In so many
ways the Times uses technology to improve the content and experience it
offers. Truly, this formerly staid print institution has become a powerful
virtual laboratory in which the ways communication can best be
accomplished and how far its boundaries can be pushed are explored daily.
And of course, it is just one example of the many profound ways that
Literacy is evolving.
What does all this mean for teachers? Clearly the rules and the landscape
have changed in ways that require a new set of attitudes and
understandings. These can be confusing times to teach in, but also exciting
ones full of the possibility of not just keeping up with advances and trends,
but also the inspiring possibility of going further and better in the ways we
foster Literacy learning. Colleague-to-colleague discussions are one of the
very best ways for practitioners in our field to gain and share clarity about
all this and the body of articles that makes up this 2
nd
issue of the Literacy
Special Interest journal represent that very strongly. From Dr. Rose
Reissmans piece Text Meets Video in the Blogosphere: Complex
Informational Content for Todays Students on how she uses a Student
Robotics blog to have her middle school students address important
Common Core ELA standards to Lisa Nielsons and Willyn Webbs article
The Future Is In Their Hands: Using Cell Phones for Literacy
5

Learning on how CELL phones can be used as powerful Literacy learning
resources to Melinda Kolks powerful piece Using Creative Technology
to Engage Struggling Readers and Writers as Producers of Literature
on how supporting students as the creators of literacy products can be key
to their success as learners - youll find much to expand our understanding
of Literacy and how it may best be learned in every one of the 8 insightful
articles here.
Kevin Amboes piece Boosting Oral Language Fluency Through
Technology Intensive Literature Exploration (TILE), a Learning
Centers Approach provides a description of how common technologies can
greatly enrich literacy experiences and make them far more accessible to
students. In her piece Learning to Teach with Edomodo: Social
Networking-based Activities Kathy Shields explains how Edmodo (a web-
based, social learning platform) has changed the way she teaches and the
way her students learn. In Using Online Discussions to Develop Literacy
Skills and Integrate NETs Sandra Wozniaks shares how she harnesses
tech savvy students enthusiasm for todays technology tools, fuelling
classroom discussions, and building skills theyll need for the 21
st
Century.
Rose Reissman shares in Student Led Podcast Projects Make Common
Core Literacy Skills Come Alive how podcasting transforms literacy
learning, and does so alongside the acquisition of essential life skills. And
finally, in Using Technology To Enhance Reading Skills For English
Language Learners, Kimberly M. Thomas illustrates how Technology helps
teach reading readiness to middle school and high school aged English
Language Learners (ELLs) who are experiencing their first taste of the
English language.

This is an impressive body of thought and practice. Please enjoy and share!

Collegially,
Mark Gura, President of ISTE Literacy Professional Learning Network
Journal Editorial Committee
Mark Gura
Michele Haiken
B. J. Neary
6

Text Meets Video in the Blogosphere: Complex Informational
Content for Todays Students
Dr. Rose Reissman
I recently came across a digital text resource online that Ive applied with
great success in my Literacy work with middle school students. This simple
blog has proved to work wonderfully for assuring that their experience
involves Text Complexity as prescribed in the Common Core Standards.
Im talking about a type of blog that marries high interest, STEM-based,
traditional news articles with videos on the same theme. The result of this
pairing is a blend of media types that combine synergistically to give
students a very rich, complex text, comparative, literal, figurative, craft and
word domain experience. This blog genre is not only replete with videos and
print articles, but also text-based questions to prompt and focus
collaborative discussion and writing. Responding to these, my middle school
students eagerly understood, discussed, interpreted and evaluated both
types of informational text as an outcome of their own fascination with the
blog focus.
At Ditmas Intermediate School in Brooklyn, NY, I work as a Literacy
Professional Development/Instructional Support Specialist, often pushing in
to classes to work alongside the regularly assigned teacher to enhance
literacy instruction for students as well as to collaborate with master teacher
educators to enhance, stimulate, and engage requisite student CCSS ELA
and multi-content literacy. One sixth grade Title 1 class Ive worked with this
year is Mr. Grzeleckis 6th grade Informational Literacy class. This class
meets twice a week and its purpose is to ensure that the students are
focused on all CCSS ELA informational reading and writing standards with an
emphasis on text complexity in multi-content subjects. Mr. Grzelecki had
already actively engaged the students in qualitative and quantitative review
of various print and online book reviews and consumer product reviews. He
printed out online reviews for the students to use as texts to cite the
reviewers explicit response to books and products (qualitative measure). In
addition, the students, as collaborators and accurate text readers, also
discussed the print and online reviewers style word length, frequency,
sentence length, and text cohesion. This served as a springboard for them
to develop and to create as writers and then as speakers reading from their
7

writing book reviews and product reviews reflecting their own values and
arguments as readers and as consumers.
It was to this group that I introduced a few of the posts I found on a blog
titled Classroom Robotics. From the students point of view, these were
simply interesting and entertaining; how could a story about a real robot
that washes your hair for you, be otherwise? But from my point of view,
beyond my pleasure that these students were reading and deeply reflecting
on what they read, I identified the blog as providing the very sorts of
Complexity in Informational Text needed for the range of texts that Anchor
Standard Ten - Range Of Text Complexity mandates. In this single blog,
there was a built in library of text types and ranges which could be used to
differentiate instruction for special needs, ESL and newcomer students as
well as to accelerate and engage students already demonstrating an interest
in STEM content area. Beyond that, as an ELA teacher, I could also build on
the science fiction and pop culture student fascination with robots in fiction
and in movies. I could tap the enthusiasm of those students who had friends
involved in the annual FIRST Lego League robotics competition. Further,
because the resource I had introduced was a blog, there was a built in
mechanism (the Comments function) with which the students could respond
to what they read. This topic of a prototype robot that was actually being
used in a city in Japan as an assistant hair washer, working alongside human
salon hair washers, turned out to be highly accessible as a video text to all
students (including those who did not grasp the special domain vocabulary
of the article and the voice over of the narration of the video). What was
even more compelling about its efficacy as a multi-dimensional, complex set
of interrelated STEM video and print texts, was its capacity to engage the
entire group of multi-level reading and writing, sixth graders. It strongly
held their interest in our whole group, general viewing of the video followed
by a qualitative discussion of its explicit message, and then by a
differentiated discussion of its structure as a video. In fact, our students
continued enthusiastically with a discussion of the videographers message
and finally, the extent to which they agreed or differed or could argue the
print text and video centered question: Would such robots be useful in our
current society? What might be the impact of their use in our current
society?
8

In addition to this blogs argument-focused print and video texts for students
to compare and contrast as to text qualitative literal quality of author/film
maker meaning; the synergy of visual /print/electronic texts had a single
robot hair washer focus that all students could equitably and arguably
address, pro or con. They literally started with themselves and whether they
would want to have their own hair capably washed and scalp massaged by a
robot. But then, the combined texts, allowed them to step back and to
frame arguments using the qualitative or quantitative structure of the visual
text or the electronic prompts to frame whether replacing human hair
washers with robots was economically feasible and to analyze the reader
task from the perspective of physically disabled or elderly persons who could
not effectively wash their own hair. Even better, the blog format serves not
only as a platform from which content can be obtained, but one in which the
reader can participate by entering written comments, making it a platform
on which students can publish their writing.
How does a blog post about a hair washing robot and its paired news
text and related video format engage students in reading and using
Complex Informational Text?
First and foremost a blog post which mixes video and electronic print text
focused on Stem concerns involves all students, whatever their different
personal reading levels may be, in reading and viewing complex texts as a
community of student citizens. The provocative content fosters
conversations to understand and respond to either or both of these texts, as
well as the text-based focus questions provided by the blog. It fosters a
critical audience of informed and alert citizens. These texts help students
summarize and synthesize (qualitative), analyze and critique (quantitative)
and design and create (reader based task argument) responses grounded in
multi-text, evidence-based arguments for or against a real societal issue.
Should we be spending time and money on mass producing robot hair
washers? If we have the capacity to do so, is it ethically and economically
worth our while to do so? Importantly, through technology (the use of such
a blog and its videos and electronic text scaffolds) the teacher is enabled to
engage special needs or ESL or newcomer students in text complexity that is
at the heart of the CCSS ELA literacy curriculum.
9


Deep Comprehension Across Content Areas
Such a blog resource immediately makes available material for STEM
comprehension. In this case the science of robot development, the possible
economic impact of the prototype described, the cultural capital of its tryout
in a Japanese salon, the health/diagnostic/rehab value of its use for the
elderly, the disabled and in rehab, and the psychological consequences of
the hair washing experience coming from robotic digit massage versus
human hands.

My partner teacher and I provide support in moving through increasing and
challenging levels of text complexity in several ways. We moved around the
classroom to help students with special domain vocabulary and content
words. We also scaffolded the discussion so that they understood words and
concepts as well as implicit messages in the video by their quantitatively
analyzing it in their own discussions with our focusing them on the voice,
music, and culture in which the prototype experience was displayed.
Mr. Grzelecki and I had the students identify and relate domain specific
vocabulary to the academic (e.g. prototype) and domain specific (e.g.
sensor) content the blog provided. They also discussed how the video, shot
in Japan, included cultural and social studies, as well as robot science, robot
fiction, and language arts dimensions.
In short, using this blog, although any similar content bearing resource could
work as well, our students had a high energy, learning-rich experience from
start to finish. There was high interest as the group read, viewed, and
discussed the articles and videos. Our class conversation might well be
described as passionate, as students not only expressed their views on what
they had learned, but because the material clearly involved significant
impact on their own lives, as well as those of their fellow humans, they
strongly took and debated personal positions on the issue.
Based on our experience with several class sessions involving student
interactions with posts from this blog on robotics news (vetted for relevance
and appropriateness for k-12 students), my partner teacher and I will be on
the lookout for sources of content that offer a similar format: online text
10

news articles paired with embedded video. Further, I see in this a great
opportunity for teachers who are willing to do a little 21
st
Century content
preparation themselves, to come up with their own pairings. All thats
required is some online searching, thoughtful review, and downloading
materials. In fact, creating a free blog like the one that triggered my own
teacher-as-researcher experimentation with this content format for our
students is an easy matter for teachers who are willing to simply follow
directions and experiment with a new resource type. Best yet, I will be
assigning students to research and create their own pairings and share them
with peers this way, making students their own source of Complex
Informational Text.
The Classroom Robotics blog can be accessed at:
http://www.classroomrobotics.blogspot.com/
The blog post referenced in the article Next! But first let the robot wash
your hair... can be accessed at
http://www.classroomrobotics.blogspot.com/2013/04/next-but-first-let-
robot-wash-your-hair.html

Text-based Question prompts provided with this post:
Yes, it's a cool idea, but does the world need a hair washing robot?
Would you let a robot wash your hair?
Who could take advantage of this technology?
Do you see any problems with this?

Bibliography
- Calkins, Lucy, Mary Ehrenworth, and Christopher Lehman. (2012).
Pathways to the Common Core: Accelerating Achievement. NH: Heinemann.
- Hiebert, Elfrieda H. 2012. The Common Cores Staircase of Text
Complexity-Getting the Size of the First Step Right. Reading Today
(Dec.2011/January 2012): 26-27.
- Piercy, Thomasina. 2011. The text complexity Staircase in the Common
Core standards. The Leadership and Learning Blog.
11


Dr. Rose Reissman is a veteran teacher educator who most enjoys working
with students in student led projects. She is also a teacher researcher and
author who has been published by: NCTE, ISTE, ASCD, Corwin, Penguin, and
Kappa Delta Pi to name a few publishers. She takes pride in running the
Ditmas Writing Institute with the support and leadership of Principal Barry
Kevorkian and teacher leaders: Michael Downs, Angelo Carideo, Amanda
Xavier, David Liotta, Rosinda Rodriguez, Sofia Rashid, Heather Barron and
others. Among her products and projects are: student print and
e-publications, museums in school, podcasts, oral history forums, Expos and
more.
12


Using Creative Technology to Engage Struggling Readers and Writers
as Producers of Literature
Melinda Kolk
Technological innovations continue to make the world a smaller place,
changing the nature of work and communication. In order to fully participate
and thrive in a world rich in information, students must be able to effectively
locate and qualify information, apply it to solve problems, and effectively
communicate ideas and solutions.
While they may now be filled with Digital Natives, our classrooms still include
students who are unprepared for work at grade level and who are not
interested in traditional activities.
The instructional response to these at-risk students is often merely the
application of more drilling, which drops their interest in school even further.
Rote practice may seem like the fastest way to improve reading scores, but
this tactic does nothing to foster an essential lifelong love of learning.
In my role as editor of Creative Educator magazine and lead trainer for
Tech4Learnings professional development team, Ive collaborated with
hundreds of educators and heard innumerable stories about their classroom
experiences and successes. Following, are some of my favorite examples of
applying creative digital learning opportunities to support struggling readers
and writers.
Like all students, at-risk learners yearn to express themselves creatively, do
things in non-traditional ways, and demonstrate their success. They are
rarely asked to create literacy products and have few opportunities to
demonstrate their successes and abilities. But "when students publish their
own books, you tap into their innate desire for recognition as they learn to
connect to literature, play with language, and beam with pride at their
accomplishments," shares California educator Linda Oaks.
Creative multimedia technologies allow for multiple forms of representation,
providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate understanding while
13

simultaneously practicing literacy skills through writing (text), reading
(audio), and illustration (picture walks and visualization).
Creative technology tools can help when project work requires extensive
reading, writing, and the creation of student learning products. Creating,
publishing, writing, and producing with multimedia tools not only provides
necessary practice, it helps students learn to effectively navigate
information, apply it to solve problems, and communicate ideas and
solutions.
Taking Retelling to the Next Level
Young students are often asked to retell stories and we can use the same
strategy for struggling readers and writers. But instead of distributing a
worksheet asking students to put scenes in order, have students publish
their retellings as electronic books. To move beyond basic comprehension,
have students create new endings or even completely new variations of the
same story.
Repeated patterns are a hallmark of literature aimed at young readers.
Books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Eric Carle and The
Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown are two great examples of books
that utilize patterns at much different reading levels. Customizing your own
version of a book like Mary Wore Her Red Dress by Merle Peek gives
students an opportunity to include themselves in the story as well as
practice descriptive writing.
After reading Judi Barrett's Things That Are Most in the World, Miss Alia's
2nd grade class at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia created
their own version of the book. They worked as a class to brainstorm
superlatives. Then, each student chose their favorite superlative and wrote a
sentence that provided a clue to the meaning of the word.
Students then used Pixie creativity software, to type their sentence, create
an illustration to support it, and recorded themselves reading their sentence.
Their teacher combined their work and published it as an HTML storybook to
share on the school web site. "Knowing that their final product was going to
be published to the Web for a potentially global audience encouraged the
14

students to do their best work, shares Shelley Paul, Woodward Academys
Director of Instructional Technology.
Multimedia products like these lend authenticity to student work because the
resulting artifacts look and feel like products students sees around them
every day. Combining visuals with text gives students an opportunity to
demonstrate learning without struggling to tell their story using only words.
Recording students narration provides an opportunity for nonthreatening
practice as they record, listen, record again, listen, and finally save. The
recordings also provide performances you can use to assess fluency.
Student-created Grammar Tutorials
In a flipped classroom, students explore a variety of resources (such as
videos, web sites, simulations) at home and then return to class to address
misconceptions and explore additional questions with their teacher. One way
to help students cement information in the classroom is to have students
create their own video tutorials. As students work to convey information,
they grapple with and more deeply cement concepts and rules. Publishing
student-created videos for others to use in this process demonstrates that
you value student time and effort.
Second-grade teacher Katy Hammack found that after innumerable
worksheets and countless review activities, many of her Title I students still
lacked mastery over grade-level grammar and language skills. When a grant
provided iPod Touches for every student in her classroom, she began
creating grammar tutorials in Pixie that included pictures, text, and voice
narration, exporting them as podcasts for students to review on their iPod
Touches. She quickly saw the benefits of having her students create the
tutorials to internalize grammar concepts and demonstrate their knowledge
for the benefit of their peers. She explains, "Students enjoy building tutorials
themselves and were so proud when they saw their work being used by
other students!
Video Poetry
Older students need more sophisticated projects, but they are less willing to
take risks. You can build their skills, decoding subtleties, and grasping the
meaning of new words by having them create video poems. Video poetry is a
fun way to analyze word choice and explore meaning and vocabulary.
15

The point here is the process, so it might not be best to pull out a dusty
sonnet. Find modern poetry that speaks to students lives, or have them
create a video that interprets the lyrics of a popular (and appropriate)
contemporary song. You could also start with a poem like Sympathy by
Paul Lawrence Dunbar and show how the symbolism is used by Maya
Angelou in her poem I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Alicia Keyes in
her song Caged Bird.
To implement with students, have them read, reread, and explore the words
in each line of the poem, discussing meaning and authors intent. Then, have
students create images that illustrate the authors word choice or search for
images at education-friendly sites like Pics4Learning.com.
After students collect their images, import them into a program like Frames,
Pixie, iMovie, or Photo Story. Students should record themselves reading the
poem, add text and titles to represent the entire poem or caption the images
with keywords, add music consistent with the emotions the poem evokes,
and create a video poem for others to enjoy.
Multimedia Writing Prompts
Practice is essential to mastery, but practice that feels disconnected to
students lives leads to uninterested students. Work that feels irrelevant is
often seen as meaningless and unimportant.
When Tiffani Brown, a middle school writing teacher at Rio Seco School in
Santee, California began noticing that her daily journaling didnt seem to be
interesting her students, she changed her approach. She began by playing a
popular contemporary song at the beginning of class. Her students sang
along, then eagerly began discussing - analyzing, finding metaphors,
connecting to their own lives.

Sharing photographs, videos, and more music, she noticed that all of her
students were writing exponentially more. I tried meeting my students
where they already were in the land of MP3s and YouTube and my
classroom was forever changed.

When she noticed her advanced students making connections and deeper
analysis, but her beginners still struggling, she moved the writing to a blog.
She then posted a multimedia style prompt (or link to) each day they
journaled and students did their writing as comments on the post. With
comments available to everyone, lower level students were able to see
analysis by advanced students.
16


Book Cover Design
A visual approach to classroom project work can also provide a reason for
students to read. Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida hosts
an annual Create a Cover Contest as an alternative to a written book
report. This project is designed to encourage low performing readers by
giving them the opportunity to creatively express comprehension.

Students choose a specific title from an approved book list. They read their
book and prepare a character sketch to explore traits and relationships
within the story. They research how book covers are designed, determine
the audience for the book, and write a proposal for their cover design,
describing their vision for how they will convey meaning and mood. They
discuss their vision with peers to clarify and refine their ideas before working
to create the actual design. They are graded on how well their cover design
communicates the vision in their proposal.

Hillsborough has seen an increase in both participation and quality every
year. Bradley Smrstick, developer of the program, says "those that
participate come away from the experience with a better understanding of
their own abilities and strengths."

To create their cover, students used their proposal to guide their search for
images that represent the physical and emotional characteristics of the
characters, plot, and setting. They then utilized the layers function in an
image editing program to combine images, add effects, and adjust colors.
Students chose a font for the title and authors name. After covers are
printed, they are posted around the school to generate interest in literature
and encourage reading.

Book Trailers
With computers, tablets, and smart phones providing ubiquitous Internet
access, students would never consider going to an unfamiliar movie without
first watching movies trailer. Without access to a quick summary designed
to entice, how can we expect nonreaders try a new book?

Rather than just providing students with a collection of book trailers, you can
encourage their development as powerful communicators by asking them to
create their own versions. To make an effective book trailer, students need
to read the book and connect the story to their own experience. Creating a
book trailer designed to encourage others to read a particular story focuses
students on relating their experience to that of others. As they learn to think
17

about audience and how to persuade, they build powerful skills for effective
communication.

Book trailers can be created using the same tools students already use to
produce videos. They can consist of a collection of still images, as in the
process of a video poem, or a combination of still images and video. While
built-in web cams make capturing short videos easy, combining recorded
narration with students photos and images related to the story can be
equally effective.

Video Biographies and Character Scrapbooks
We dont have students write biographies or complete character analyses
because they will be doing this for a living, but rather to help them learn to
think critically, analyze information, and communicate effectively through
storytelling. Rather than completing another worksheet or writing another 5
paragraph essay, give student work more authenticity (and meaning) by
connecting their work to products they see in the world around them.

Many students have seen documentaries on television. Asking students to
take information and transform it into a compelling story for a video
biography script lets them play with words and gives them insight into how
authors choose words to communicate viewpoint. This improves student
motivation to write and information sophistication.

Instead of assigning a worksheet to analyze character traits, have students
create a scrapbook for this person. Many kids today have parents who have
been documenting their lives with scrapbooks. What students choose to put
in the scrapbooks will indicate their knowledge about the character and their
actions.

Digital scrapbooking lets students collect images and explore the use of
visuals to tell a story without the headache of scissors, glue, and
construction paper. In addition to being less messy, digital scrapbooking
promotes valuable organization and management skills. These digital
collections also make it easier for teachers to drop into the process, check in
on student learning, and facilitate high-level thinking.

Digital Portfolio Development
Identifying important information by collecting and publishing scrapbooks
builds skills students can apply to their own work in a digital learning
portfolio. A learning portfolio is a collection of student performances over
time. Todays technology tools make it easy to include performances as
attachments, images, videos, text, and audio.
18


By asking students to collect and reflect on their learning, you celebrate
their success, help students see progress, and build their metacognitive
skills. Building a portfolio also provides students an authentic opportunity to
practice reading and writing without focusing on rote drills.

Digital portfolios can be a collection of links to student work posted online. A
digital portfolio can also be a comprehensive multimedia presentation that
showcases learning over time. Regardless of the format, digital portfolios
encourage students to start thinking about and reflecting on their learning.

The Big Picture
Regardless of the activities you choose to do with your students, keep the
following ideas in mind.

Read and write in authentic ways
Students need (and want) to practice reading and writing in real-world
situations. Technology helps us make this connection by asking students to
use tools to create products they see in the world around them.
Try to make sure every day includes time to apply literacy skills in projects
that also have value and meaning outside of a specific learning goal.

Publish for a real world audience
At the very least, make sure students are doing work that is similar to work
done by people outside of the classroom or would have value to someone
outside of the classroom. Even better, ask students to do work that will
actually be seen by, evaluated by, and used by someone outside of the
classroom. All of these things indicate to students that their work has value
and meaning. Technology makes it easy to share student work with a wider
audience, whether they are creating PDF comic strips, posters, podcasts, or
public service announcements.

Give students a voice
Student work should be a reflection of the creator, not the instructions. One
students final work should not look the same as another students. Sure, we
can scaffold early work with templates, but too much structure focuses
student work solely on correct content, not meaning.

Asking open-ended questions and using open-ended and creative
technologies can help you engage your students in important reading and
writing practice as well as help them develop powerful literacies that will
serve them in our rapidly changing world.

19

Find out more about these projects online at:
http://www.thecreativeeducator.com/literacy

Melinda Kolk is the editor of Creative Educator magazine and the author of
Teaching with Clay Animation. Melinda has authored articles on student
technology projects for Virginia's VSTE Journal, Australia's The Educational
Technology Guide, and the UAEs Didactics World magazine. Melinda is one
of the founders of Tech4Learning, Inc. an education company that develops
software tools that provide platform students can use to share knowledge
and understanding, communicate original ideas and solutions, and share
their passions with a worldwide audience.
Common Core Standards in ELA
Reading: Literature Key Ideas and Details: RL._.1 -
RL._.2 - RL._.3
Craft and Structure: RL._.4 - RL._.5
- RL._.6
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
RL._.7
Range of Reading and Complexity of
Text: RL._.10
Reading: Informational Text Key Ideas and Details: RI._ .2 -
RI._ .3
Craft and Structure: RI._.4 -
RI._.5 RI._.6
Integration of Knowledge and
Ideas: RI._.7 - RI._.8
Range of Reading and Level of
Text Complexity: RI._.10
Writing Text Types and Purposes: W._.1 -
W._.2 - W._.3
Production and Distribution of
Writing: W._.4 - W._.5 - W._.6
Research to Build and Present
Knowledge: W._.7 - W._.8 - W._.9
Range of Writing: W._.10
20

ISTE NETS for Students 1. Creativity and Innovation: a b
2. Communication and Collaboration:
a b d
3. Research and Information Fluency:
b c
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving,
and Decision Making: a b c d
5. Digital Citizenship: a b c
6. Technology Operations and
Concepts : a b



21

The Future Is In Their Hands: Using Cell Phones for Literacy
Learning
by Lisa Nielsen and Willyn Webb

INTRODUCTION
If understood properly, educators will go from fighting cell phones, tools
students love for learning, to embracing them. Because cell phones are the
most ubiquitous digital device in households today, harnessing their power
helps bridge the digital divide and increase student engagement and
achievement in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A study by the
National Literacy Trust found, Almost 9 -in-10 pupils now have a mobile
device, compared with fewer than three-quarters who have their own books
in the home, (Paton, 2010). While we all understand the value of books, we
also need to work with what young people do have, cell phones. What would
happen if we allowed them to come out of hiding and welcomed them in the
classroom? Teachers across the globe are finding out by using phones to
enhance learning.

In this chapter well share some ways educators are engaging in this work
by
1. Introducing some commonly used cell phone resources;
2. Sharing ideas for how they are used in the classroom, and;
3. Providing stories called Text Talks that are inspired by or based on
innovative educators and young people.
You can find more stories, ideas, and lessons in the Teaching Generation
Text: Using Cell Phones to Enhance Learning book and blog by visiting
http://TeachingGenerationText.com All of the practices are applicable to
any level of student, as long as they have phones.
CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION
If you are in a school where cell phones are banned, using them to enhance
learning does not require that they be used in class. The ideas shared here
are applicable for use outside of class, as well.
Some see cell phones as distractions, cheating aids, and the cause of
discipline issues. However, by setting your classroom up for success, they
22

can become a valuable learning tool. Before you get started, ask yourself the
following:
1. Do I have a parent/guardian and student agreement that covers the
use of student owned devices?
2. Are my students familiar with cell phone safety and etiquette?
3. Does my school or classroom have an acceptable use policy in place in
language that is kid and parent friendly?
4. Have my students and I developed classroom management procedures
that account for the use of cell phones?
5. Have I considered how my students and I can plan activities that
incorporate the use of these devices?
6. Have I ensured that students without devices can access school
equipment?

You can find sample plans, policies, and agreements at The Innovative
Educator blog in articles such as 10 Proven Strategies to Break the Ban and
Build Opportunities for Student Learning with Cell Phones
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/11/ten-building-blocks-to-
break-ban-and.html
ASSESSMENT
Cell phones provide a great way to increase the amount of time you have to
teach students in class by allowing formative assessments and post lesson
enhancements/assessment to happen outside of class. For example, instead
of starting your class period with a question/problem/thought of the day
written on the board that students respond to when they come in, you can
have already accomplished this before class with a group text. Instead of
making copies of homework worksheets, chapter reviews, or take home
problems, just send out a few text questions each day that students can
answer by text. Depending on the assignment, the answers can be compiled
with resources like those shared in this chapter, such as Voki or Google
Voice, just locally on the student's phone, or in a group text site for
reference or discussion in class. After a quick review of the answers you'll
know who needs remediation and whos ready to move forward.
23


READING / WRITING
Cell phones support student engagement and achievement in reading and
writing. In fact, Children who are heavy users of mobile phone text
abbreviations... are unlikely to be problem spellers and readers, a new study
funded by the British Academy has found. The research*, carried out on a
sample of 8-12 year olds over an academic year, revealed that levels of
textism use could even be used to predict reading ability and phonological
awareness in each pupil by the end of the year. (Plester & Wood, 2009).
Also, a new study from California State University researchers has found
that texting can improve teens writing in informal essays and many other
writing assignments (Miners, 2009). In this section well explain how
students are doing just that by using cell phones in the way they are most
commonly used among youth -- for texting and group texting.
Texting
Our students are reading and writing more than ever. In the 21st century,
this reading and writing often takes place through the lightning fast thumbs
of teens. Although some parents and teachers complain that text messaging
is ruining the language, research is showing that it is, in fact, a benefit to
students phonemic awareness, spelling, and use of words (Yarmey, 2011;
Plester & Wood, 2009, Malson & Tarica, 2011; Fresco, 2005; Dunnewind,
2003; Miners, 2009; McCarroll, 2005; Elder, 2009). When we reflect on
whats happening when our teens and tweens text, all sorts of learning
possibilities come into focus.
1. Ideas for the Classroom
a. Texting has become the shorthand of the 21st century. When writing
first drafts, allow students to draft on their phone, if they choose, and
use text abbreviations to get their thoughts down. Encouraging the
quick, free flow of ideas in a format they prefer can help young writers
capture, compile, and create new ideas. Students can translate these
as they edit and revise, resulting in a standard language final draft.
b. Translate difficult passages of poetry, classic literature, or even
content heavy textbook passages into textese in order to facilitate
student interactions with the material and understanding. The result is
great summaries.
c. Have students use texting to journal or answer each others discussion
questions. When the audience changes to those who are other than
peers, have them use standard English, a shift that illustrates the
importance of writing that is appropriate for a particular audience.
24

2. Text Talk: Working With Students
"I never see this with hands," was Sandy Riggs response to all the text
messages she received when she asked her freshman Biology students to
text her what they thought DNA precipitation meant. Riggs teaches at
Collegiate High School in Texas. Texting has increased her student's
confidence and allowed them to participate without embarrassment.

Group Texting
Through the ease and time saving means of group texting, educators can
connect with groups of students for many literacy activities such as
vocabulary development, questions about assigned readings, polls, or
summaries. Tools like Celly (http://cel.ly) provide a code for students to
enter and become part of a group. No personal numbers are shared. All
texts sent and received are documented on the website. This adds structure
and documentation to communicating with students through the reading and
writing of text messages.
Ideas for the Classroom
The teacher sends out a critical thinking question to the students after
school. The next day she shares all their responses and class time can
be used for critical discussion rather than response collection.
Book clubs can keep the conversation going by interacting and
discussing questions through an anytime/anywhere open group chat to
which the teacher is invited. The teacher gets to be a part of every
group and hear every student voice.
Have students set up a Celly for themselves and use the @me feature
for easily taking notes, writing questions, or making connections while
reading at school or on the go.
Text Talk: Working With Students
At Delta Opportunity School in Colorado, Sandy Vickrey says, I had
learned the benefits of cues and questions to activate prior knowledge in
my college education classes. In my school, however, class time was
very short and I always had to start the lecture, play the video, present
the lesson immediately in order to finish by the end of class. I rarely took
the time to cue students, ask questions, or discuss prior knowledge. Wait
time did not seem to exist. When I learned about free group texting
services, I began using a group text for a cue or a question before school
to all of my morning classes and at lunch to all of my afternoon classes.
This really helped students come to class aware of the lesson content and
ready to learn more.

25

Novel Writing
A new genre of literature, perfect for Generation Text, is the cell phone
novel, which offers short chapters full of cliffhangers, dialog, and dramatic
plot twists to get students engaged in their reading. Writing cell phone
novels challenges students to show narration, poetry and even visual art by
choosing line breaks, punctuation, whitespace, and rhythm. Textnovel
(http://www.textnovel.com) is a free, fun resource that supports students in
reading, as well as writing for a real audience, gaining feedback and revising
serial fiction.
Educators choosing to use Textnovel will need to become familiar with the
site and the settings where the stories are given movie type ratings.
Ideas for the Classroom
Even if cell phones are banned, choose a G rated cell phone novel and
have students read it and make comments as homework.
Collectively write a cell phone novel as a class project, or within
cooperative learning groups. The social nature of the site will bring
students together to create, revise, and develop their stories.
Use the Textnovel site for journal writing that will never get lost or
destroyed. They simply send their entries to their journal where the
teacher can comment. Updates are sent via text or email.
Text Talk: Student Success
Like most students, highschooler Krystal Swarovski was never given an
opportunity to write for a real audience in school but with
www.textnovel.com Krystal has a large fan base and was awarded the
Text Novel Editors Choice award for her story Slices of Pie. Heres an
excerpt from Krystals bio on the site which provides a glimpse into what
contributing to the site has meant for her.

I'm in high school, my writing career to date has been a short story (B-),
a collection of poems(A+), and many, many, many informational essays
and literary criticisms, grades ranging from C+ to A+. More on the A side
though... :) Anyway, point is, the only writing I have ever really done has
been for school, with varying degrees of success. However, last year, a
good friend of mine (whose pen name here is Anabelle) was telling me all
about her story and this fabulous website during study hall, and she
convinced me to get an account on textnovel, and that's where I started
writing. I have to say I am surprised by the amount of votes my stories
have received.

26

Speaking, Listening, and Oral Reports
Google voice is one of many tools to capture student voice. It is free, easy to
use and enables educators to capture voice messages from students without
providing them with their direct phone number. The power of this kicks in
when you realize that Google Voice can become a repository for oral reports,
assignments, or sound bites sent from a cell phone. Teachers can also write
notes on each clip, share, and post them. To get an account, visit
www.google/voice.com.
Ideas for the Classroom
Have students do their oral reports using Google Voice. If they don't
like how they sound the first time, they can re-record until they have
something with which they are happy.
Use Google Voice as an assessment tool to easily capture students
reading levels. This provides a transcript too, and a place to keep
notes. Rather than talk to a parent about how a student has
progressed across a year, let them listen to their child directly.
Have students share something interesting about themselves and post
the recordings on a class page or blog where other students can listen
or comment.
Text Talk: Working With Students
Johns elementary grade class practices language skills on the phone. On
their own time, students call his Google Voice number and read
something or create a dialogue which is sent to his Google Voice account.
The kids respond really well to it and instead of taking class time, they
dial in to his phone number, and he can go online to hear what they've
done. He listens to their recordings and e-mails them feedback. Many
students are afraid to make mistakes in front of their peers. When they
receive a Google Voice-based recording assignment, they're more apt to
take risks because they have some privacy. The end result is students are
reading aloud more and getting more feedback.

Video
Most phones today come with the ability to shoot video. This can be a
powerful learning tool, even if there is only one video enabled phone in the
classroom. Video can help students with speaking and listening skills by
providing them with the opportunity to see and listen to themselves speak
as well as listening to what others have to say.
Ideas for the Classroom
Have students act out and record chapters of a book they are reading
using video. Acting out a chapter helps solidify understanding.
27

Record mini lessons and How Tos using the video on your cell phone.
These can be stored on the classs online space as well as emailed or
texted to students.
For teachers using the Reading Workshop approach, taping
accountable book talk between pairs or in book clubs is powerful
practice. Students can review their talk to see how they did and what
they might change. Teachers can record conversations they wouldnt
usually be able to hear, as documentation of student growth.
Text Talk-Working With Students
Youd never know students were less than inspired about reading once
video is introduced. Students at PS 4 in the Washington Heights section
of Manhattan read Island of the Blue Dolphins. They were motivated and
fully engaged as they dispersed to various parts of the room acting out
the scenes from the script they had written days earlier. Often when a
student writes, its not clear when something doesnt sound right.
However, when students act out their writing, it immediately becomes
clear and they jump back to their scripts to revise. Additionally, words
and concepts they may not have understood previously really come to
life. Their teachers are convinced that theyll find that students
understood this story better than others theyve read. Read more at:
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/02/5th-graders-
discover-you-dont-have-be.html


Oral Stories
Voki http://www.voki.com enables students to call into a personally created
digital avatar with a code on their phones and use their voice for the avatar.
Students of all ages enjoy creating their character and watching it speak
with their voice. Voki allows students to re-record by calling in as many
times as needed to get their report just right.
Ideas for the Classroom
When students are experiencing writers block, have them call in and
speak ideas through their Voki. This gets them started and a great oral
(and/or written) report results.
Use Voki for public speaking practice. By practicing in the privacy of
their own home into their phone, they get to listen to themselves for
feedback. Speeches are rehearsed and memorized through Voki.
Storytelling benefits both the listener and the teller. Use Voki to pair
middle school students with elementary students for storytelling,
without ever leaving the classroom (or home). As middle school
students tell stories they are creating, acting, and engaging with
28

language. As younger students hear the story and comment they are
tuning their listening and thinking skills.
Text Talk-Working With Students
Brandy Sparks, English Teacher:
My students could not write their experience with the novel we were
reading. I kept hearing, I dont know what to write. However, when
I had them call into and give a voice to their Voki avatar, they talked
all about how hard it was, how they did it, what character they liked
and how they think it should have ended. They never would have read
each others work, but they loved listening to each others voki. I used
the Vokis to sell the novel to my next class.

MANAGING STUDENT WORK ONLINE
Weve seen how to use cell phones to support students in creating
innovative learning products everything from a Voki avatar presenting the
students writing, to recorded oral performances, to texted book responses,
video dramatizations of books, and more. While these ideas are exciting and
engaging, How do we manage and keep track of it all? How can we easily
access and review it whenever we need to? The answer is by selecting an
online space for student work. Some teachers use blogs like Blogger
(http://www.blogger.com), others use wikis like Wikispaces
(http://www.wikispaces.com), and others a website like Google Sites
(https://sites.google.com).

A terrific feature of the tools shared in this chapter is that student products
that result from their use have an embed code, allowing teachers or
students to embed the products into any of these online spaces. Thus,
teachers might have a page with all student work (i.e. a page of poetry
Vokis from the entire class) or each student might have his own page with
all their work embedded. Whats nice about this is that students can begin to
develop a portfolio of their work and parents can see anytime/anywhere
some of the great work of their children.

Not only are cell phones an important resource in the 21st Century
educators tool box, they also provide more opportunities for students to use
real-world tools. Its time we began thinking of our cell phones as
computers. Even the simplest, voice/text-only phones have more complex
and powerful chips than the 1969 on-board computer that landed a
29

spaceship on the moon! Children deserve nothing less than for their teachers
to embrace the power of this technology, to support students in using these
powerful computing tools, to which they already have access. Theyll to soar
to new heights!
Common Core
Standards in ELA

Writing Text Types and Purposes: W._.1 - W._.2 - W._.3
Production and Distribution of Writing: W._.6
Research to Build and Present Knowledge: W._.7
Range of Writing: W._.10
Speaking & Listening Comprehension and Collaboration: SL._.1 - SL._.2 -
SL._.3
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: SL._.6
Language Knowledge of Language: L._.3
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: L._.4 - L._.5 - L._.6
ISTE NETS for Students 1. Creativity and Innovation: a b
2. Communication and Collaboration: a b d
3. Research and Information Fluency: a b c d
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision
Making: c
5. Digital Citizenship: a b c
6. Technology Operations and Concepts: a b c
d

30





BIOGRAPHY
Authors of the book Teaching Generation Text
(www.TeachingGenerationText.com), Lisa Nielsen, and Willyn Webb are
experts in the use of technology in education. Nielsen works with schools
and districts to innovate learning with technology. She has experience as a
literacy coach and librarian. Best known for her award-winning blog, The
Innovative Educator http://TheInnovativeEducator.blogspot.com, she also
writes for publications such as Tech & Learning, The Huffington Post and
MindShift. Webb is currently an administrator, adjunct professor, and
licensed professional counselor. She has experience as a middle school
Language Arts teacher and a high school English and Speech teacher. Webb
has published five books, is a mother of three girls and has developed an
innovative alternative high school with an emphasis on literacy, technology,
and service learning. Nielsen and Webb speak to audiences around the globe
and teach classes for educators interested in using student-owned devices
for learning.
References
Dunnewind, S. (2003, April 29). Generation text: Teens IM lingo evolving
into a hybrid language. Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Retrieved from
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20030412&slu
g=immain12
Elder, J. (2009, October 27). Teachers putting texting to use. Charlotte
Observer. Retrieved from
www.newsobserver.com/2009/10/27/159701/teachers-putting-texting-to-
use.html
31

Fresco, A. (2005, October 31). Texting teenagers are proving more literate
than ever before. The Times. Retrieved from
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article584810.ece
Malson, G. & Tarica, E. (2011). Textese gr8 training 4 poets of 2moro.
Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-
living/5606638/Textese-gr8-training-4-poets-of-2moro
McCarroll, C. (2005, March 11). Teens ready to prove text-messaging skills
can score SAT points. Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from
www.csmonitor.com/2005/0311/p01s02-ussc.html
Miners, Z. (2009, October 29). Could texting be good for students? [Web log
post] U.S. News. Retrieved from www.usnews.com/blogs/on-
education/2009/10/29
Patton, G. (2010). Children 'more likely to own a mobile phone than a
book'. Retrieved from
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/7763811/Children-
more-likely-to-own-a-mobile-phone-than-a-book.html
Plester, B. & Wood, C. (2009). Exploring relationships between traditional
and new media literacies: British preteen
texters at school. Retrieved from
http://www.britac.ac.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/14
Yarmey, K. (2011). Student information literacy in the mobile environment.
Education Quarterly. Vol 34 No.1. Retrieved from
http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazi
neVolum/StudentInformationLiteracyinth/225860
32


Boosting Oral Language Fluency through Technology Intensive
Literature Exploration (TILE), a Learning Centers Approach
By Kevin Amboe
Using Technology to Bridge Crucial Oral Fluency Gaps
Many students dont have the skills needed to be successful learners.
Literacy is critical; students who don't start off with strong literacy skills will
continue to struggle. Further, Oral Language Fluency is a cornerstone to
communication skills, the heart of a child's successful school experience.

Children from non-professional families start school with a listening deficit of
19 to 32 million words. If the school expects teacher to get this child
caught-up, she'll have to speak 10 words a second for 900 hours in order to
reach the 32-million mark by year's end.
7
If we dont find a way to increase
the variety and volume of words heard by working class and impoverished
families, we leave these students on a path of failure.

In Jim Treleases The Read Aloud Handbook
1
, the connection is drawn that
much of literacy relies on listening vocabulary. Inside the ear these words
collect in a reservoir called the Listening Vocabulary. Eventually, if enough
words pour into it, the reservoir starts to overflow into the Speaking
Vocabulary, Reading, Vocabulary, and Writing Vocabulary.
2

Oral Fluency, therefore, is foundational for education by virtue of building
vocabulary for learning by listening, reading and writing.

Learning a language is best done early in a childs development. Not all
students have Digital rich or vocabulary rich childhood experiences and it
is important to make efforts to mediate the deficits in oral fluency to set
students up for success. Technology integration can mediate oral language
deficiencies.

33

Hyltenstam
4
states that the age of 6 and 7 seems to be a cut-off point for
bilinguals to achieve native-like proficiency. For many students to fully
participate in school, they will need to be bilingual; proficient in English, and
Digital. Young students that struggle with the English language are
disadvantaged from their peers. Young students that arent supported in
learning Digital are also disadvantaged from their peers.

It is educational Malpractice to not use every tool for student
success.
6
Creative use of available technology can help to bridge the gap
with extensive language rich exposure and interactions for both oral and
digital. In 1997 Smith & Elley highlighted a New Zealand study where
students listened to a recorded book while reading the print copy for 20 to
30 minutes daily for 7 months. Normally we would expect 7 months gain for
7 months of learning; the gains from the intervention were 2.2 years
instead.
8


This article will provide a lens of five guidelines for targeted technology
integration, and a description of what a technology intensive literature
exploration (TILE) may look like.

What does it look like to support diverse student needs for language
experience to reduce the vocabulary gap? We need to model oral fluency,
increase exposure to vocabulary, and offer supported practice. Strategic
integration of technology can maximize the volume and variety of words
read, heard and used on a daily basis through extensive rich oral language
experiences.

Five Strategies and aspects of oral fluency that we can focus on to foster the
acquisition of Oral Fluency include:
1. Listening to proficient speakers
a. vocabulary, syntax, phonological exposure
b. recognizing language patterns
34

c. pronunciation
d. tracking written with oral
2. Listening to self and peer speakers
a. self recording
b. self assessment
c. self correction
3. Digital Storytelling
a. providing details and examples to enhance meaning
b. expressing ideas clearly and fluently
c. sequencing
d. creating learning artifact without written word.
4. Conversation opportunities
b. practicing delivery
c. staying on topic and sustaining concentration
d. sharing and explaining ideas and viewpoints
5. Organizing information / Learning task organization sharing thinking
orally
a. sharing learning
b. explaining ideas
c. accessing prior knowledge
d. organize words by sound, letters, meaning

Applying these five strategies through Technology Intensive Literature
Exploration (TILE), a focused morning for a technology and oral language
rich classroom, may look like the following:

(Have students bring their stuffies to help anchor their learning personally
and have actors for their interactions.)

Group introduction
- Pre-read and have students predict
story from images only
35

- Read Aloud Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems
- Discuss the key elements of the story
o Stuffy lost, has adventure, returned
- Identify new words and strategies to figure out
o Add new words to the word wall
- Brainstorm and record on paper places that their stuffy could go

Side Bar: for each the activities described here,
the potential NETS addressed are identified in [ ]
Creativity and Innovation (CI)
Communication and Collaboration (CC)
Research and Information (RI)
Critical Thinking (CT)
Digital Citizenship (DC)
Technology Operations and Concepts (TOC)

Have the students move to a selection of activity centers working as
partners. Set up the centers to offer students as many of the following as
possible:

1. On an iPad - students read an email from Trixie asking for help to find
Knuffle Bunny (in preparation, teachers write an email appropriate for
their group). Or, alternatively Students can have it read to them.
Then, they record themselves reading the email (use the iPads
microphone.) Next, they can take photos of their stuffy helping to
look in various places for Knuffle Bunny in the classroom.
[CI,CC,DC,TOC]

2. On a Laptop (or iPad) students take photos of the book using the
built in camera (see the How To section at end of chapter). Next they
can arrange the photos to retell either the same story or create a
different story. If a movie creation software is available, they could
add next text and voiceovers. [CI,CC,DC,TOC]

36

3. Search (either on Internet, pics4learning.com, or local folder with
preselected images) for places their stuffy would have an adventure.
With Photobooth or similar software select the green screen option,
import the adventure background to place their stuffy in the scene
background, import the image and take photos or movies with their
voice-over of the adventure. [CI,CC,RI,DC,TOC]







4.

4.



4. With digital camera take day in the life of photos of their stuffy
connect to computer or projector and share the oral story told by their
photos. [CI,CC,CT,DC,TOC]


5. With a voice recorder or iPod Listen to Knuffle Bunny Free again
(read by teacher or an audio recording by teacher or senior student),
37

then students record themselves reading the story. Listen a final time
where students can choose to listen to the author voice or other
student readers. [CI,CC,DC,TOC]

6. With an easy to use video camera - Groups of 3 or 4 tell a story with
their stuffies as the actors, while 1 student records using the video
camera. Watch their story or stories of their peers. Alternatively,
students could import photos of their stuffies into a live stage
recording software such as Polished Plays Puppet Pals app and move
the images on the screen while telling their story. [CI,CC,DC,TOC]
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/puppet-pals-pocket/id395844666?mt=8

7. With Garageband Students create musical accompaniment to be
played while reading the story or sing a song of Knuffle Bunnys (or
their stuffys) adventure. [CI,CC,DC,TOC]

8. Kidspiration (Preload with sentences and phrases from story)
Students can sort words by size, sound, first letter, type (places),
actions and use the listen button to have words read to them.
[CC,RI,TOC]
a. Kidspiration is a mind mapping software by Inspiration Software
Inc that includes additional features for younger learners such as
reading selected words or bubbles. The conversation between
students to accomplish the tasks is more important than the
word being read aloud; however, it is more engaging with the
audio feature.
http://www.inspiration.com/Curriculum-Integration/Kidspiration
9. With iPod or iPad or other interactive eReader students read and
interact with eBooks (apps) such as The Flying Books of Morris
Lessmore. [CI,DC,TOC]
http://www.bestinteractiveebooks.com/2011/07/the-fantastic-flying-
books-of-mr-morris-lessmore/
10. With a folder of 15 related images, have students choose 5 to 6,
place in order, then tell their partner a story. (Same sample as above
could be used) [CI,CC,DC,TOC]

Each station could be 20 minutes of work time followed by 3 minutes to
share with another group before choosing another station. As the series of
centers time comes to a close, bring students together and share with a
student they have not yet shared a center with yet.
38

There is no lock step method; however, like anchor papers to writing, the
TILE example above takes the strategies and provides specific examples to
meet expectations. As you can see from the examples, it is not about the
technology, rather it is deciding on an oral fluency activity that technology
can support. The table below extends the strategies beyond a specific
lesson and includes an analog method to support oral fluency as a
comparison.
Strategy Technology Tool Analog Tool Notes / Cautions
Listening to
Proficient
speakers

Computer generated
voice iBooks, Google
Translate, Speech to
Text
Peer reader Computer generated
text reading is not as
accurate as real voice
but more available
Audio book, Book on
Tape
Peer reader
Recording of older
student / adult reading
Older student
reading
See tool options under
Digital Story Telling
Skype / Face time an
expert / author
Guest speaker
Read along software/
app
Buddy Reader
Listening to
Self and
Peer
speakers

Voice Recording /
Listening
Tape
Recording,
Choral
reading,
Paired
Reading
Even tape recorders
are technology
integration; however,
tapes wear out
Rerecording By listening to their
voice, they are self
assessing, then they
can record and self
correct
39

Digital
Story
Telling
Creating movies from
still images or Creating
Slide Shows with Voice
Over
Reading
Buddies, Self
Adjusting
Reading after
Listening
iMovie, PPT, Movie
Maker all have this
ability
Filming live action
drama
Classroom skit Can be done with flip
camera, <$200 digital
camera,<$300 Digital
Video camera, iPod,
iPad,
Creating Movies with
Web 2.0 tools
Voki.com
Creating Movies from
Video and adding voice
over
iMovie, Coaches Eye,
Movie Maker, Google
Earth Pro
Creating Movies from
Stop Motion /
Animation
Animoto.com /
Scratch (MIT)
Creating Podcasts Self Adjusting
Reading after
listening
Garageband or
Audacity
Conversatio
n
Opportuniti
es

Working in partners
and learning together
new tools
Working in
Partners
Learning
together new
tools
Technology is highly
motivating and
students eagerly talk
about what to do.
Asynchronous
conversations
Pen Pals VoiceThreads.com
Students become
experts with specific
technology tools to help
Student
experts with
other
classroom

40

other students activities
Organizing
information
- Learning
Tasks
sharing
thinking
orally

Digital Storytelling with
content, retelling
purposes

Journaling,
drawing
diagrams,
flash cards,
sort and
predict

Kidspiration generate
ideas, sequencing,
summarizing,
synthesizing,
comparing, analyzing
Draw
diagram,
organize
flashcards
Technology can
remove requirement
of specific skill level
and fine motor skills.
Pride in professional
results. Even 10 year
olds report My hand
doesnt hurt when I
write electronically
Labeling and explaining
a diagram
(Kidspiration) -
(Co-create see
conversation above)
make their learning
visible to others (e.g.,
maps, diagrams,
photographs, models,
and drawings)?
Labeling and
explaining a
diagram
(paper /
pencil)


We need to intervene for students with low oral language and low digital
language exposure. Ensuring targeted technology integration also provides
tools for students to use with learning involving reading and writing. A
turning point in my teaching was interviewing students after a laptop writing
project Both girls and boys responded, I like writing now because my
41

hand doesnt hurt. While they still may struggle with writing their thoughts,
we can build their oral fluency and technology fluency so they have both
digital and oral tool to express their learning.
With the pervasive amount of technology in society, students of most
backgrounds are likely to have access to at least one tool (or equivalent
such as leaving a voice memo on an answering machine or iPod Touch or
Dollar Store recording pen). Teaching students how they can improve their
language skills with techniques they can apply in a 1:1 application at home
can extend the learning and impact into the home for self and for other
family members.
Oral Fluency is the cornerstone to speaking, reading, writing and learning.
We have opportunity with using methods like the Technology Intensive
Literacy Explorations (TILEs) to enhance student NETS-S capacities as well
as remediate oral fluency deficiencies. It is essential to think strategically
with the five strategies described above as a lens to target learning
opportunities to truly meet student learning needs.
Further Resources
Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy,
Learning and Creativity by Jason Ohler.
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Are you Listening by Lisa Burman
Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms -
by Will Richardson
Redefining Literacy for the 21st Century by David Warlick
Oral Fluency and Extensive Reading Activities
http://ihjournal.com/oral-fluency-and-extensive-reading-activities

References
1 Better Schools for BC BC Teachers Federation
2 Jim Trelease, The Read Aloud Handbook, Chapter 2, Penguin, 2006
4 - (1992, as cited in Wikipedia, 2012) found Hyltenstam
42

5 - Table - Hart and Risley (1997) Meaningful Differences accessed cited
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rah-ch1-pg3.html March 26, 2012
6 - An impactful quote from keynote presentation at an Alberta online
learning conference,
7 - http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rah-ch1.html accessed March 26,
2012 paragraph 11
8 - Smith, J. & Elley, W. (1997). How children learn to read: Insights from
the New Zealand experience. Katonah, NY: Richard C. Owen.


How To Items and Resources
- iRecorder: A free voice recorder for iPad
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/04/irec
order-a-free-voice-recorder-for-ipad/1
- How to Take Pictures With a Built in Computer Webcam
http://www.ehow.com/how_5972242_pictures-built-computer-
webcam.html#ixzz20dX6C2xA
- Green Screen Effects in Photo Booth and iChat
http://basics4mac.com/article.php?story=green_screen
- The author has established an online gallery of photos that may be
used for the several of the activity centers:
www.flickr.com/amboe_k/tags/doggy/

The Common Core Standards for Reading dont explicitly describe Oral
Fluency, but I have adapted the BC Ministry of Education Elementary
Language Arts curriculum, within the strand of Oral Fluency, to identify goals
of improving Oral Fluency:
- provide students opportunities to develop their capacity to listen,
interact, and present effectively with peers and adults.
- increase students awareness of, develop strategies and engagement
in the processes, skills, and techniques of oral interactions
43

- connect language to text, develop ideas, increase vocabulary
repertoire, and use metacognition
- increase students knowledge of the forms of oral expression, syntax,
and diction
About the Author
Kevin Amboe has been a teacher in Surrey, British Columbia for 17 years.
Kevin is fluent in both Digital and Analog and in the last eight years, he
has focused on developing Information and Media Literacy with Surrey
students.

Kevin was a lead researcher in an internal Grade 5 Writing with Laptops
project. In addition, Kevin worked with Simon Fraser University coordinating
and mentoring teachers in a self-directed inquiry based professional
development program called, Teaching and Learning in an Information
Technology Environment

Kevin has presented numerous times at several local, provincial and national
conferences including ISTE 2010,11,12. He has been a CUE-BC executive for
over 10 years and was selected as one of Canadas Apple Distinguished
Educators in 2007 and in 2008 as a Google Certified Teacher.


44


Learning to Teach with Edmodo: Social Networking-based Activities
by Kathy D. Shields

Edmodo has changed the way I teach and the way my students learn. If you
are looking for a fast paced way to spark engagement, build connections and
develop critical thinking within your classroom, read on.

I speak with the confidence of one who has seen great change in a very
short period of time. It was September 2011 when I first introduced my 5th
grade Reading/LA class to Edmodo, a social networking platform free for
teachers and students.

My fellow teacher, Heather Temske, an active Atlanta area Discovery
Educator Network member, had raved about her experience with Edmodo.
She and her 4th graders participated in a global read-aloud. From the sound
of it, Edmodo was a catalyst for writing that offers authenticity, and a forum
for sparking project-based learning. My interest was piqued.

I informed my students that we would be testing a new way of
communicating and would be joining a global book discussion with over 1200
grade 4-8 students from around the country. Suddenly I was pelted with
excited questions. The hook was set!

Who benefits from Edmodo?

Edmodo is a blended learning tool. Students who are able to save and
upload images and are able to read fluently are ready to use this interface.
A new format for learning, responding, and grading; Edmodo is 24/7 and will
change the way you interact with your students. Its a limited Learning
Management System that lends itself to collaborative projects that employ
Google Docs and to individualized instruction based on lessons, assignments,
and groups. While not all students will embrace a web-based platform for
learning, you will have a significant number who prefer this modality. It is up
to you to determine, based on the individual needs of your students, the
degree to which you integrate Edmodo into the classroom.

Getting Started

It took six months and several conversations with peers to get comfortable
with the idea of using social networking in my classroom. I like to jump on a
band wagon when I see the advantages, but in this case, I could also see
some red flags. Doing my due diligence, I set up my own account early on in
45

the process to get a feel for how it would work. If you are a complete newbie
to this platform here is your first tip. Sign up as both a teacher and a
student. The only way to find your way around is to experience the site as a
student. One more important detail, In order to join as a student, you will
need to create your first group as a teacher.

The Edmodo home screen makes getting started a snap for teachers as well
as students. What isnt quite so obvious is their use of group codes to
establish boundaries between groups of students or even groups of teachers.
In order for a student to join Edmodo, they must have a group code to plug
in.

Edmodos system of organizing by groups is a thing of beauty and simplicity,
but know this: they can be created and destroyed with the click of your
mouse. They can also be renamed if you make a typo or just want to call
them something more meaningful once in use. Create a playground group
to keep the classroom chat separate from the assignment groups. This
really helps in the area of online classroom management.

Name your experimental group playground by clicking the CREATE button on
the left of the screen. A confirmation will appear with your group number. It
will always be available to you when you click on the group. Now that you
have the group, you can join as a student. This requires logging out and
then selecting Im a Student. I tell my students they do not need to enter
their email address. They simply need a user name, password and an initial
group code to get started. Learning to use Edmodo makes more sense when
you experience it as a student.

A New Way of Doing Things

The Edmodo site promotes teacher learning and shares established practices
through free webinars. One such webinar is called, 20 Ways to use Edmodo.
I watched and listened to see if I could learn something new. When I say
new, Im referring to a new way of doing things probably already done
before. Heres a sampling of things that resonated for me: blogging, role
playing, peer evaluation, conversations, grammar checking, tutoring, parent
communication, calendar events, grading, quizzing, polling, book clubs,
scavenger hunt, alumni group, after school activity, PBL preparation, teacher
collaboration, reading assignment, writing prompt, international pen pal,
audio messages, reading fluency, flipped classroom.

Grades 3-5 Literacy Instruction Supported by Social Networking
I have taught grades K, 3, and 5 and I think Edmodo is best suited for the
46

upper elementary classes and above. The print is small and the pages
somewhat complex. I do think a willing teacher could make it work for
younger students, but would probably do more work.

In my classroom, Edmodo was used primarily as a way for students to
communicate their understandings and misunderstandings about content.
My goal was to stretch their thinking, to generate questions that would lead
to deeper learning. Edmodo tracks student activity online. It allows you to
hold them accountable for their contributions. Their work may also be
tracked by parents using the parent access code.
I have incorporated the use of Google docs by creating small groups and
designating one person as the recorder. They add all of their content to a
shared document (Google doc) which I embed as a link on Edmodo. Thus,
students work collaboratively in small groups to create something for the
whole class.

Implementation and Classroom Organization
Students sign in to their personal accounts making it a 1:1 interface.
However, small group projects also work well if one student is the
designated poster for the group. In a school with a lack of 1:1 access to
computers, students can take turns posting.
The real challenge of social networking is teaching students how to filter
their comments and to develop a sense of digital citizenship. My advice is to
provide several very good examples of misunderstandings that result from
inappropriate use up front. Ask students to work in small groups and to
rewrite their conversations so they yield better outcomes. I also reviewed
our Acceptable Use Policy with the students and notified parents about our
classroom social networking efforts.

Time is an important implementation consideration. Classrooms have
different numbers of computers and varying amounts of time in the day to
offer access to students. How much time are individual students able to use
the Internet each week? And what are they expected to accomplish? Lets
say students have about 50 minutes a week to spend online. This may
become compromised due to schedule changes such as assemblies. If you
budget 30 minutes realistically, will they be able to complete their Edmodo
47

assignments in school? I have found this to be the toughest part of my
planning. Several of my students either dont have home access or their
parents prefer they remain off the computer at home during the week. Try
to anticipate limitations. Next, try out your lesson. Time it. Make sure that
most students will be able to complete the task in the allotted time, then
plan provide partners for those who need extra help.

Edmodo can be used on any platform although some may offer limited
functionality. With iPad, for instance, access is by an APP or using the full
site. Using the APP, it is possible to upload images. Students tell me they
use Edomodo on their iTouch devices and on their parents iPhones, in
addition to using it on their home computers. I suggest you have at least 3
classroom computers available for student use and make time to spend at
least an hour every other week in the computer lab if you have limited
resources in your school.
Your Edmodo Library: Save all of your links, embed code, and more

The Edmodo library offers a unique way to save, share and distribute
content. Anything you store is available for assignments or posts and can be
made available through folders that appear to different groups depending of
their purpose. The same item can be shared in numerous folders
simultaneously. Students have a library but its called a backpack instead.
They can save their images and documents. Once you sign up for some of
the wonderful Edmodo communities, you will see loads of posted resources
to add to your own library. I use several social networking sites but this one
is perfectly targeted for educational use.

Assignments
Starting the year off with some Edmodo challenge assignments will help you
see who is most adept and who needs the most support. I like to start with
three challenges designed to familiarize my students with some web 2.0
tools. They address different learning styles and offer opportunities for
extension and remediation as well as for student exploration and reflection.
48




In addition to fostering learning in the area of Vocabulary and Reading, the
first assignment introduces students to skills needed to use Edmodo, like:
how to save and upload an image. Student generally enjoy making word
clouds, so I begin this first challenge with a very easy to follow procedure to
create one that is saved as a jpg graphic file. Following that, they upload it.
If you feel your students need more instruction in how to accomplish this
than online directions provide, employ the each one - teach one method
and start by demonstrating to a small group and allowing them to gradually
teach the rest of the class. I often use peer teaching to facilitate the
learning process because it leads to greater collaboration and group
problem-solving.

49




Another assignment describes how some students in Uganda must risk their
lives crossing a perilous, makeshift bridge to get to their school which is on
the other side of a raging river. My students must respond to the question
How far would you go to take a test?

Here are several examples of student responses to the previous assignment
(along with my comments):

Student - If I was one of those kids going to school I would go! No matter
what the young kids would of said I still would of crossed. It is like an
obstacle on Test Track in Disney. Everyone should have an education, no
matter what size or age. If could not get educated, I could not be a vet.
Even those kids have dreams to be what they want to be. It is so sad that
some can't go to school. Their parents could be dying or even very sick. It is
just an obstacle in life and it is so sad. Everyone should have an education
and a good life. Sometimes you feel that you should try to help those kids in
Uganda, and give them proper medications. That is what I think we should
help those kids.

Me - You are a compassionate person with a big heart. I like your simile,
about the Test Track at Disney. I also see that you acknowledge that all kids
50

have dreams. It's easy to forget this when we look at people so far away in a
different world.

Student - It is important for these kids to cross this bridge and the trees
around it, so that they may be able to inherit the education that separates
our country from theirs and can make them knowledgeable to the point that
someday they may be able to live in a country as great as ours and that
they may establish their own understanding of life. To me, this bridge
symbolizes life. Life is full of risks and chances that you must take in order
to be successful.

Me - With your permission, I would love to share this with the Springs Alive
Community School. The sincerity of your words moved me and I know it
would mean the word to them.

Student - Thank you Mrs. Shields! I really appreciate your kind words.

In many ways, this kind of lesson is an assessment. It reveals unique
perspectives and allows students to see other points of view. As a teacher, I
was moved by many of the responses. Posting images and asking for
thoughtful reflections teaches students to ask questions about what they
see, pay attention to details and connect prior knowledge in drawing
conclusions.

A third activity centered on the way the use of multimedia and simulations
helps engage students and foster higher order thinking skills. This year I
used an interactive simulation (Discoverys Virtual Volcano) for a geography
unit. Students were asked to create an eruption. Check the resources at the
end of the chapter for this link. Below you can view this assignment as I
posted it in Edmodo for my students.


Become a volcano designer!
How are volcanoes alike and different?

Use your graphic organizer to complete this task:
1. Design 4 different volcanoes by adjusting the levers on Viscosity
and Gas.
2. Create different combinations and then START the ERUPTION!
3. Mark your settings and note the type of volcano and a brief
description.
4. Illustrate what you see.

51

Answer the following question in the TURN IN section:
What is your favorite type of volcano? Explain why you chose it.


Students were required to illustrate their favorite volcano and explain how it
was formed. They tended to work side-by-side, sharing their excitement with
each other. Social learning requires thinking aloud and hearing how your
ideas sound to others. For many students, this gives them the confidence
they need to make a post.

All of these assignments utilized the Edmodo social networking resource to
establish a flexible learning environment in which student writing became
the principal means of communication and exchange. Further, they all
involved thinking, reflecting, and collaborating, all facilitated greatly by
social networking, mirroring its tremendous impact in the real world beyond
school.

Standards Addressed
- Common Core ELA Standards
The new Common Core standards and for ELA, create a shift from just
reading, to reading more informational texts. It suggests that students will
benefit from exposure to a wider range of nonfiction texts related to core
content areas. I view the adoption of Common Core as an invitation for
greater collaboration among teachers. Edmodo is a learning management
system, and like your classroom, it will reflect your personal focus. I think
Edmodo will assist me in building my Common Core materials through my
connections with other teachers. Now that most states are sharing a
common curriculum, the content will be more easily shared and more readily
available.
52


ISTE NETS for Students

Here are examples of how to incorporate technology standards for students
using Edmodo:
1. Post a picture of an unusual global phenomenon. (Students facing
extreme challenges.) Ask students to identify the reason for the
phenomenon and ask them how they would solve the problem. (3,4)
2. Students can manage their assignments by using the grade book and
calendar features in Edmodo. It adds a new dimension of accountability
for students to complete their work in a timely manner. (4,6)
3. Students develop a social networking identity and learn digital citizenship
using Edmodo.(2,4,5)
4. Post a simulation website link related to science or social studies content.
(I used the Virtual Volcano)Ask students to study the scenarios and
hypothesize how the events might have been different? What is the
cause and effect relationship? (4,6)

Assessment
Students will be assessed using the following methods
a) Participation - Edmodo tracks all student posts and assignments.
b) Formative - Edmodo allows a teacher to create quizzes and polls to collect
snapshots of how students are doing on a given standard.
c) Summative Assessments - Edmodo can serve the purpose of preparing
students to take summative assessments by providing skill-building
activities, teacher power points reviews and possibly podcasts of content for
test preparation. Projects are easily posted and may be assigned and graded
as summative assessments.

Resource to Learn More about Using Edmodo in the Classroom
http://help.edmodo.com/edmodo-mini-lessons/
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit/82344
http://cybraryman.com/edmodo.html
http://help.edmodo.com/teacher-rollout-resources/
http://youtu.be/F1SXlLtmJ_Y DCSDonDemand
http://durffsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/using-edmodo-in-elementary-
classroom.html
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/pompeii/interactive/interactive.html

53


A brief bio: Kathy D. Shields
I am a second career teacher with a passion for
learning. I have two wonderful adult children soon to
become college graduates and a loving husband of 25
plus years. My book club is like a second family to
me. I like to keep my ear to the ground, consider
many facets to a story or solutions to a problem and
view teaching a wonderful way to glimpse the future
through the eyes of a child. I admire my coworkers
who have endured long years in this profession,
because they are all tireless champions for students. I
live to learn, so Im currently pursuing an Ed.D. at
Kennesaw State University, with a focus on Teacher Leadership and
Instructional Technology. Follow me on twitter @kathydshields
54


Using Online Discussions to Develop Literacy Skills and Integrate the
NETs
Sandra Wozniak

Do simple writing prompts freeze the minds of your students? Do your
students know the fine art of arguing? Do your students glaze over when
faced with informational text? How can you help them avoid "I don't know
what to write, so Ill write the same thought 16 different ways?
As a middle school teacher, curriculum developer, and district technology
Yoda, I always say you need to sneak some beans into their brownies and
develop activities that are good for them in a manner that excites and
engages them. Studies show that students writing improves when they
have an audience and purpose, an interest or passion, and time to think
about it. Todays Net Generation comes with access to an audience 24/7
and a penchant for online discussions. Lets harness our tech savvy
students enthusiasm for these tools, fuel classroom discussions, and build
skills theyll need for the 21
st
Century.

Were all in this together
Developing deeper understanding of content, appreciating different
perspectives, and being able to synthesize new thought is a common goal of
all curriculum areas - not just language arts or reading class, according to
the new Common Cores Standards. Online discussion tools will help
students develop argument, ideas and voice, integrating all six NETS-S
standards with the 3Rs (reading, writing, and relevancy) of good literacy
practice.
Online discussion
activity
NET-S Common Core
Students read text,
content, primary
documents to support
claims or arguments in
discussion
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving
W-9 Draw Evidence
from literary or
informational texts to
support analysis,
reflection, and research
Students develop and
present conclusions,
recommendations and
Critical thinking and
Problem Solving
Creativity and
W 7-1 Write arguments
to support claims with
clear reasons and
55

issues Innovation relevant evidence
Students interact online
to examine complex
issues from multiple
points of view using
guided questions and
discussion
Communication and
Collaboration
Technology Operations
Digital Citizenship
W7-6 Use technology,
including the Internet,
to produce and publish
writing and link to and
cite sources as well as
to interact and
collaborate with others,
including linking to and
citing sources.
Students critically and
constructively examine
their own and others
perspectives while
supporting their
arguments in a clear
and persuasive manner
Communication and
Collaboration
SL9.3 Evaluate a
speakers point of view,
reasoning, and use of
evidence and rhetoric,
identifying any
fallacious reasoning or
exaggerated or
distorted evidence

Although Facebook enthusiasts feel we need to be where the students are,
many practicing teachers find obstacles to using social web sites (including
blocked sites, lack of control over content, student age and privacy issues)
too overwhelming. This holds particularly true in middle school, where many
students are not legally old enough to have Facebook or other accounts with
profiles attached. Fortunately, there are many educational online
discussion tools available to use as viable alternatives that offer features our
students love. These tools are not only free, but are easy to use.
Working through a district initiative to develop tech infused problem-based
learning opportunities for students, Ive collaborated with many educators to
develop engaging, interdisciplinary units that support literacy. Attending
national conferences (like ISTE, NAMLE, NCSS) has given me opportunities
to discover and share a wealth of collaborative tools and their
implementation in the classroom. Im hoping my experiences can help you
learn the power of (and avoid the pitfalls of) using online discussion
platforms.
Start Simple
Beginning by implementing these tools in simple ways will help build
confidence in developing activities that produce results. As these tools are
web-based, I highly recommend that you log onto them in school to avoid
56

the first obstacle - the blocked site. School IT departments have all sorts of
parameters set up that are not the same as yours at home- what teacher
has not found that out the hard way? Our district IT department has always
been very responsive in helping me get a web tool going; however,
responsive was never quick enough so that I didnt need a plan B.
Setting the stage
Before using any online collaborative tool, its important that we give
students a jumpstart with the rules of netiquette and set the stage with our
expectations. Our students understand simple classroom citizenship rules.
What they may lack, however, is a sense that there is also a unique set of
rules for online discussions (be polite, dont use all caps, remember the
person behind the avatar, etc.). Its up to you whether you want students to
use their real or screen names. Using screen names is another great lesson
on putting your best foot forward online and it gives shyer students the
opportunity to participate more freely. Ive found that students who never
contributed to a class discussion were in it to win it when it came to online
discussions. Using screen names can also avoid legal problems. Maintain a
record of screen names and real names to identify who is who. Many of the
social problems that find their way into the middle school these days have
spilled over from cyberspace as our students see the internet as a place
where anything goes. Teaching digital citizenship (Nets Standard 5) is a
must.
Digital Discussion Guidelines
The good news is that you do not have to reinvent the wheel. There are
some great resources for online discussion rules like Interact with Tact
(http://onguardonline.gov/articles/0033b-interact-tact) or the Dos and
Donts of Online Student Communication from Collaborize Classroom.
Setting these guidelines as standards is a great way to get your students
started. Using these tools is a great way to model and monitor skills as well
as giving students the opportunities to practice good digital citizenship (NET-
S 5) in a private protected community before they go global.
Now, youre both ready
Online collaborative tools range from simple post-it boards such as
Stormboard or Padlet to customizable content-oriented discussion tools such
as the SCAN tool, Edmodo or Collaborize Classroom. What they all have in
common is the power to engage students by allowing them to interact with
each other combined with the ability to integrate the 21
st
Century higher
order thinking skills.
57


One of the simplest
discussion tools is Todays
Meet
(www.todaysmeet.com) it
takes only seconds to set up a
private discussion board that
does not require participants
to register or log in. Simply fill
in the URL
www.todaysmeet.com/XXXX
with your topic or class and
send them there. Just as we use discussion questions to guide our
students while showing a video or reading an article; you can put the actual
discussion in right from the start. Students could set up a discussion to
collaborate on a group project from home or brainstorm ideas for a project.
Using this discussion tool is a great way to get your feet wet in the online
discussion world.
These tools come with a built in audience and models of good thinking.
Students are more apt to take time, thought and care with their writing
when they know that their peers will be reading it. They also can get new
ideas and perspectives and see models of good writing when reading others.
We modeled using Todays Meet in a staff professional development
meeting, posting questions and discussion as we watched videos of
classroom teachers. In the classroom, we used this tool to post questions
for students as we watched some scenes from Remember the Titans.
Instead of worksheets with rote questions to get students to focus, we were
able to have them discuss things like: How do you think those black
children felt on their first day of attending the previously all white school?
It was easy for students to see different points of view and build empathy
for characters and express themselves in the online chat. Teachers can join
in and monitor the discussion. Transcripts can be saved for assessment and
documentation. Consider inappropriate comments as teachable moments.
There are also some very simple post-it note boards where students (and
teachers) can collaborate and discuss issues. Padlet and Stormboard are
two great examples of these free brainstorming tools. Weve used these
boards to have students post possible topics, share issues or points of view,
etc.
58

In this Padlet example we asked
a 4
th
grade social studies class
that was learning about why
laws are important, to
brainstorm issues that we might
need rules for on the
playground. Students went to
the activitys unique URL and
clicked on the grass to add their
ideas. Students were able to contribute to the brainstorm and see a wide
variety of issues brought up by their peers. Students could physically build
their ideas and post related issues around others that were posted.
Teachers register, set up a site, name it (example:
www.Padlet.com/playground) and then share the URL. Padlet, a little simpler
and more graphically pleasing than Stormboard, might be better suited for
younger students.






Caption: Stormboard (formerly Edistorm) was used by educators to
collaborate on developing activities around upcoming NASA mission.
Stormboard gives you the ability to organize, comment on, and vote on
ideas. It was used as a springboard for a group of educators developing new
activities around an upcoming NASA mission. Teachers from across the
globe were able to post ideas, comment on others and eventually group
themselves according to topic area. We also used this same tool to help a
Gifted and Talented class to prepare for writing a mock trial based on the
First Amendment. We had students first post ideas in Stormboard on how
the First Amendment might apply to their daily lives. From there they were
able to post ideas and brainstorm possible scenarios, and vote on the one
they were going to produce. Stormboard allows you to divide your ideas
into sections, so you can have your class do a group KWL activity around a
topic. Setting up areas for Knowledge you have, for what you Want to know,
and for what you Learned. Teachers register for a free site, select create a
59

storm and get a private URL to give to students. Participants can also be
invited by email. They join in the conversation by adding a sticky note.
Teachers can delete or rearrange sticky notes as they see fit.
Perhaps the strongest argument for using tools like this is the potential to
get all students engaged in the discussion. Typical class discussions are
often dominated by three or four quick thinkers. All conversations are
generally documented and archived so that participation grades can
become objective rather than subjective and qualitative rather than
quantitative. These tools also provide many of the prerequisites for good
writing: organizing and clarifying information, incubation time to think,
discuss and digest, and active participation. They also provide visuals for
those learners that favor that modality.

Collaborize classroom is another tool that I
have found to be a great way to develop
good writing and increase student
exposure to informational text as required
by the new common core standards.
(http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/res
ources/common-core-standards/common-
core-standards-english-language-arts-
high-school-9-12th-grade) This platform
allows teachers to pose higher level
thinking questions in a number of ways in
a private classroom setting using videos,
photos, primary documents, articles and
other informational text.
Teaching them to Argue
Do kids really need to be taught to argue?
Arguing in a civil manner with logical
assumptions is not something they see
every day! The new Common Core Standards state: the ability to write
logical arguments based on substantive claims, sound reasoning and
relevant evidence is a cornerstone of the writing standards, with opinion
writing a basic form of argument- extending into the earliest grades. The
SCAN tool, developed by the nonprofit TregoED, is a little known gem,
offering the perfect opportunity to hone argument writing, problem solving,
and civil discourse skills. Our school was fortunate to be on the ground
floor of the development of this tool.
60

SCAN is an online discussion tool that provides content and a critical thinking
strategy. SCAN provides an issue or historical event that has different
perspectives. The variety of these runs the gamut from cell phone policies
and genetic engineering to the Boston Tea Party and bullying. The SCAN
tool features a library with many of these, as well as allowing teachers the
post their own with a relatively inexpensive subscription ($45/year).
Students work through the SCAN problem solving strategy (Stop and think
things through, Clarify the Key issues, Ask yourself whats most important,
and Now, whats your next step?) entering their point of view, commenting
on others, and collaborating on a solution. We used SCAN as the
cornerstone of the ISTE Technology Innovative Award winning lesson Who
Owns History, (submitted by Media Specialist Cynthia Cassidy and
Language Arts teacher Michelle Cook). They tailored the SCAN librarys
Egyptian Artifacts: Where do they belong? lesson to their students needs
and linked additional resources and media elements in a livebinder to the
lesson on deciding who should own Egypts numerous artifacts that are on
display throughout the world. The tool not only gave us a built in problem
solving process, but it gave us the ability to differentiate the lessons to meet
the diverse needs of our language arts students. Their students selected
specific points of view (Egyptian citizen, American museum curator, U.S.
archeologist, and Egyptian director of Antiquities), and followed the prompts
of the four-step critical thinking strategy to explore and promote their
viewpoint. Links to articles, videos, and resources allowed us to enrich the
reading and frontloaded students with information to enrich their writing.

Using the SCAN tool is easy, teachers register and follow three easy steps to
set up a lesson and get a unique URL for their class.
61





62



We were able to provide instructional text, a relevant and authentic topic,
perspectives, practice with formulating logical arguments, and critical
thinking. Putting it all together- problems, resources, communication, and
perspectives, students are frontloaded with the information to be able to
synthesize real solutions to real problems and write persuasively with a
purpose while touching on all six areas of NETS-S. Based on the transcript
of the discussion, we were able to asses focus, organization, and
development of ideas, voice, and conventions all foundations of good
writing. Using this tool across various subject areas in our school, we have
increased our students reading of informational text by 50% and have seen
an increase in student writing skills (particularly for special education
students). Weve used SCAN to have students take on the roles of
characters in literature, practice historical thinking, examine ethical debates
in science or make action plans for problems like bullying.
Bottom line
We have found many benefits of incorporating online discussion platforms in
developing literacy skills and integrating the NET-s. The most obvious is the
increase in enthusiastic participation by students. Some of our students
have used these and other tools to flip their classrooms and deliver
content outside of school. Given proper guidelines and expectations, the
quality of student discussions and writing has increased as they are
The final page of the online SCAN
session supplied concrete
evidence of student participation
by providing a summary of the
activity for students and teachers.
This streamlined the assessment
process.
63

motivated by the audience of their peers and view models of good writing by
others.
Common Core Standards
in ELA

Writing Text Types and Purposes: W._.1
Production and Distribution of Writing: W._.6
Research to Build and Present Knowledge: W._.7 ,
W._.9
Speaking & Listening Comprehension and Collaboration: SL._.3
ISTE NETS for Students 1. Creativity and Innovation: a b c d
2. Communication and Collaboration: a b c d
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision
Making: a b c d
5. Digital Citizenship: a b c d
6. Technology Operations and Concepts: a b c d

Authors Bio: Sandra Wozniak continues to teach despite being recently
retired after 33 years at the Mt. Olive Middle School. While there, she
developed and taught courses in Robotics and 21
st
Century Skills. She was
NJ Middle Level Educator of the Year in 2010. She recently wrote curriculum
for the NASA ISTE MMS Mission project. She works with the nonprofit
TregoED whose mission is to teach students how to think, not what to think,
is a featured blogger for Technology Integration in Education and blogs at
http://scanwerecriticaltothinking.blogspot.com/

Sandra Wozniak
21 The Rotunda
Andover, NJ 07821
sanwoz@gmail.com
@sanwoz



http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/resources/common-core-standards
http://www.tregoed.org/files/CCS-SCAN_Can_Help.pdf
64


Student Led Podcast Projects Make Common Core Literacy skills
Come Alive
by Dr. Rose Reissman
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
1. A team of five sits around a conference table with a cell phone serving
as a time clock. They have a script in front of them, but often stray
from it as they rehearse their conversation, a review of financial
literacy resources available on the web. The moderator, whos also
the leader of the team, watches the clock to make sure they dont run
over their allotted time. After the rehearsal, the team listens to what
it recorded and their leader conducts a reflective debriefing on its
strong and weak points. He adjusts his outline for their upcoming final
recording.
2. A team of newcomers to the United States who are studying English
rehearse the lines of a script based on The Sign, a story from Simms
Tabacks Kibizers and Fools (Viking, 2005), before they record their
performance of it for a podcast . They are led by a student director
who explains to them the type of voice projection, elongated diction,
and voice levels necessary for successful podcast recordings. As they
practice, he supports them, suggesting how they can best read their
lines in character. Both the speakers and the director are satisfied
with the recorded performance that results.
3. Teams of students who have designed their own fan author websites
stand up in front of an audience of peer website creators to share their
site design ideas, use of web creation software, and problems
encountered during the fan site creation process. As they speak, the
group leader, a peer who had the original idea for doing a fan site,
advises the others as they research and design fan sites of their own.
Their oral presentation is recorded for a student podcast to be included
as a part of an adult, online book study for teachers.
65


Behind the Snapshots: Common Core ELA Connections
All of the above are snapshots of Podcast, Project-Based Learning activities,
which enhance the in-place, grade 6-8 ELA curriculum and that support the
Common Core ELA shifts in instructional focus. The participating middle
school students come from (Special Education) Resource Room, ELL,
Enrichment, general education, and newcomer classes. They are all busily
and productively engaged in developing authentic podcasts for target
audiences of peers and adults and must meet set deadlines.
In each of these projects, students serve as leaders for their peers or for
younger grade students. Literacy Leadership is an important dimension of
the instructional program at the school. These projects lead to improved
Literacy outcomes, as well as personal growth for individuals and enrichment
of school culture. Students view a leader as someone who generates the
initial idea for a podcast theme or develops a script, as well as having an
auteur vision for directing other student podcast participants; including
speakers, sound effects and music score technicians, and others involved in
creating the final podcast product.
Podcast Literacy Leaders have very specific ideas about how recordings
should be edited, as well. Further, even though some of them are just 11
and none are older than 14, they can all effectively communicate their vision
of how they want their podcast projects to evolve. Beyond preparation for
the podcasts, these leaders analyze the finished products to suggest the
next podcast project, being mindful of relevant themes and their ELA
curriculum. They also carefully listen to them to improve their direction and
scripting skills. The leaders have volunteered to work several lunch periods
and after school to acquire boot camp leadership training. During this
training they are taught how to work with younger peers to support these
peers in accomplishing project goals. The leaders learn the basic elements
of: project organization, adhering to time tables, using a microphone, voice
quality and delivery for a podcast, coaching peers and communicating
project goals to various audiences (teachers, students, administrators,
graduate education students, parents).
66

Under peer leadership, the teams enjoy working together as a unit toward a
common goal, the production of a podcast to be shared with an online
audience of peers and adults.
As they enjoy the college readiness and career training aspects of podcast
production, all student team members are validating the 5 pillars of ELA and
content area literacy (CCSS). For instance, as they worked on their financial
literacy resource review program, they were reading texts that reflect
informational text staircase of complexity concerns. This is the thrust of
the instructional shifts that result from adoption of the Common Core
Standards in ELA.
In their planning and recorded conversations, students discerned the key
points of web-based financial literacy resources (informational texts), asked
one another relevant questions, and cited specific text-based evidence when
offering an interpretation. In examining this body of resources created for
middle school students, students addressed the adult perspective on
financial literacy from their own point of view. The topic of financial literacy
helped the students focus on academic and domain specific vocabulary. This
type of podcast-based literacy project includes writing and research that
analyzes sources and uses relevant evidence from the online sources to
support team members viewpoints.
Students in the second group described above, from a sixth grade (Special
Education) resource room/ESL class, used the contemporary young adult
classic text of Tabacks The Sign from Kibitzers and Fools, to build their
cultural knowledge about life in Poland in the 19
th
century. They learned
Jewish Folklore and Yiddish phrases that have become part of the English
language. This addresses shift 2 of the Common Core standards by
enhancing student knowledge of the disciplines and enhances shift 6
students academic vocabulary.
As they focused on comprehending the text of the print narrative they were
working from, identifying domain specific vocabulary by using punctuation
marks as anchors, and marking potential script lines for their podcast; they
were seamlessly practicing use of text dependent questions and tasks. This
addresses shift 4, text based answers, since the scripts were developed
directly from text based tasks.
67

This folklore tale involved students in using a quality text to consider what,
for these students from Uzbek, Afghanistan, Iraq and other cultures, was a
new culture. The task of transforming a narrative story into a podcast script
engaged the students in writing and research that analyzed sources and
forced them to reference their final script to evidence in the folktale.
Students in the third group described above, who were designing fan author
sites, experienced shift three, text complexity, as they reviewed a range of
other publisher and fan sites to get a feel for the electronic author site
genre.
They observed the standard components of published author web sites:
Author Bio; FAQ section, list of the authors works, interviews, blogs, videos,
etc. Then, they were given the text-dependent task of working from those
sites in order to author their own text and design content for the pages of
their own author fan site. They focused on specific vocabulary: home page,
tab, html, public domain, easy navigation, quick loading, interactive, and
blog. As all creators of fan sites must, they had to do writing and research
plus use relevant evidence from multiple sources to support the construction
and purpose/message of their sites.
School Community Context and Applicability
Ditmas IS 62 (a Brooklyn middle school), helmed by Principal, Barry
Kevorkian, has a long standing history of offering a menu of rigorous
academic and engaging arts programs. In addition, Ditmas offers a
plethora of opportunities that authenticate literacy learning through real life
leadership activities (Wilhem and Nowak, 2011).
The students for which the body of practice covered in this chapter was
developed represent the broad spectrum of learners taught in a typical,
inner-city, public middle school. They range from on-grade level ELA
students to enrichment class students to newcomer to special needs
students, as well as CTT students (Collaborative Team Teaching students-a
mix of special needs and regular education learners).
The objective of these podcast projects is to guide students through a broad
spectrum of ELA achievement, second language acquisition, special needs
challenges and learning styles, as well as to learn to work collaboratively
within their individual classes or in partnership with older peers. Once
68

completed, they can listen to their podcasts and reflect on their achievement
and potential for enhancing their speaking and listening skills. The podcast
format allows these students immediate feedback from peers in their
classrooms, on school public address system, and beyond.
Teachers Pool Expertise to Support Independent Student Podcasting
Projects

For the Financial Literacy podcast, I worked with a group of self-selected
students who were eager and willing to tackle the issue of how and why
financial literacy should be taught in middle school. With the support of our
school technology coordinators, they reviewed online resources designed by
adults for middle school use. They read a range of electronic texts and
focused on the text-dependent task of deciding the extent to which the
resources were appropriate or not for middle school audiences. They had to
defend their point of view with reference to evidence in the resources
themselves- all, ELA shift 3 staircase of complexity tasks.

To foster podcast recording and production skills, Mr. Angelo Carideo
(technology coordinator) spoke to the students about how to nuance, slow
down, and lengthen their speaking for the purpose of podcast recording. In
doing this he modeled aspects of leadership for students interested in
assuming that role. Students became real podcast creating insiders as they
learned about the problems of ambient noise and proper use of the
microphone for effective podcast recording. They rehearsed and realized the
difference of small group and large group recordings for target peer and
podcast audiences. All of these routines and strategies allowed the students
to accomplish the core ELA goal to teach text complexity through effective
student engagement routines, as well as assume the role of podcast project
leader.

Ms. Amanda Xavier, master ELA teacher and I wanted an approach which
would engage her sixth grade resource room class in gaining fluency and
competency with the Common Core staircase of complexity text dependent
questions and tasks. We used the printed narrative text of The Sign from
Tabacks Kibitzers and Fools to scaffold student engagement through
following reading routines and close reading of text. The podcast project
allowed us to set a reading purpose (how the students would adapt this
69

narrative for a podcast) for our theatrical model of fluent reading and
metacognitive processes as the students followed us along. They wrote the
adapted podcast script themselves. An upper class student leader coached
and directed them in the techniques of rehearsing and recording the
podcast.

How To Adopt Podcast Project-based Literacy Learning

First decide on a specific manageable length text (i.e. group 2 -
Taback short narrative) or topic (i.e. group 1 - financial literacy or
group 3 - individual student author site web designer teams) focus.
Make certain that the goal aligns with the key Common Core and
ISTE skills and content/genres you already teach. Plan for a
podcast length of 15 minutes for which anywhere from 30-45
minutes of material (before editing) might need to be recorded.
Next, schedule the date for the end-product to be ready and
identify an audience for it BEFORE you present the project to the
students. A class podcast blog or an area on the school website with
an invitation to parents and school community stakeholders will
serve for this very well.
Next search the Internet yourself for podcasts that offer the
students age and English language appropriate model podcasts for
listening. Treat the podcast format like a genre for students to
master, before they try to accomplish an in style of podcast of
their own design. Devote at least one class lesson to listening to
these model podcasts as a class and discussing specific
speaking/special effects/music appropriate for them.
Make certain that the usual ELA/other content/skills you teach
within your Common Core ELA curricula (novels, persuasive writing,
small group, large group presentations, text dependent questions,
reading routines, close reading of text, text dependent tasks) are
explicitly suggested and outlined.
Even if the students will independently adapt the printed text to
podcast format, make certain to model that task by first reading the
text aloud yourself or having students read it aloud. Next, lead the
whole class in starting the first lines, setting and role details for the
podcast. Lead a whole class discussion of what the roles, setting,
70

and sample dialogue lines extracted from the printed text of the
original narrative will be and how that evidence is to be identified
(include use of quotes, punctuation, and other details in the original
text so that students can identify them for further use as they
complete the text).
Finally, put the assessment piece you will use with the students
front and center within the project description. Make certain you
include a student-friendly ELA skills (Common Core) and
Technology Skills (ISTE) aligned rubric for them to use in assessing
their own achievement. This rubric should parallel those for
writing, speaking and listening which you have already used with
your students.

Why adopt this practice to suit your classroom curricula content and
objectives?

In this tense time of teacher accountability (in terms of test scores and
Common Core ELA skills application) why should teachers engage in a series
of podcast projects? Wont spending the necessary time to practice and
record podcasts detract from their scoring well on tests and demonstrating
their mastery of Common Core ELA skills/competencies? Wont taking time
to review the texts of print narratives to adapt them to podcast demands
and rehearsing and recording them take too much time and attention?

Ironically, podcast projects make all the Common Core mandated Literacy
skills (reading, writing, speaking & listening, presentation of knowledge and
ideas) come vividly alive. Students who engage in the text dependent
questioning, note taking and writing design, for a podcast, are preparing to
score high in attained skills mastery and test sophistication as they meet
the test demands of real audiences.

Unlike other technology literacy products, podcasting is immediately
available to educators with a minimum of expensive equipment and editing
necessary. At Ditmas, podcast project-based learning seamlessly integrates
and invigorates rigorous Common Core multi-content one podcast at a time.
71


Products Resources Standards
Podcast- financial -
literacy, financial
resources peer
software review round
table,
Taback podcast,
Author Fan Sites
podcast
Audio Recorder,
Editing Software
(Audacity, Garage
Band, etc.)
ISTE 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6
Common Core ELA RL
1-10, W 1-10, S and L
1-6
Language 1-6

Piercy, Thomasina and William Piercy. (2011). Disciplinary Literacy:
Redefining Deep Understanding and Leadership for 21
st
Century Demands.
(Englewood, CO: Lead and Learn Press).

Scholastic. (2012). Common Core State Standards-Complex Content Text.
New York: Scholastic.

Financial Literacy Buzz Podcast (episodes #15 and #16 Ditmas Middle
School): http://financialliteracybuzz.blogspot.com/

ISTE Literacy Special Interest Group Book Study (with podcast that includes
Ditmas students recorded conversation about creating author fan web sites):
http://siglitbookstudy.blogspot.com/2012/06/final-session-student-create-
author.html
72


Podcast team leaders show outline.

Ditmas podcast as it appears in the Financial Literacy BUZZ blog.

73

Common Core Standards in ELA
Reading: Literature
Key Ideas and Details: RL._.1 - RL._.2 - RL._.3
Craft and Structure: RL._.4 - RL._.5 - RL._.6
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: RL._.7 RL._.8 - RL._.9
Range of Reading and Complexity of Text: RL._.10
Writing Text Types and Purposes: W._.1 - W._.2 - W._.3
Production and Distribution of Writing: W._.4 - W._.5 - W._.6
Research to Build and Present Knowledge: W._.7 - W._.8 - W._.9
Range of Writing: W._.10
Speaking & Listening Comprehension and Collaboration: SL._.1 - SL._.2 - SL._.3
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas: SL._.4 - SL._.5 - SL._.6
Language Conventions of Standard English: L._.1 - L._.2
Knowledge of Language: L._.3
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: L._.4 - L._.5 - L._.6
ISTE NETS for Students 1. Creativity and Innovation: a b c d
2. Communication and Collaboration: a b c d
3. Research and Information Fluency: a b c d
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making:
a b c d
5. Digital Citizenship: a b c d
6. Technology Operations and Concepts: a b

Dr. Rose Reissman is a veteran teacher educator who most enjoys working
with students in student led projects. She is also a teacher researcher and
author who has been published by: NCTE, ISTE, ASCD, Corwin, Penguin, and
Kappa Delta Pi to name a few publishers. She takes pride in running the
Ditmas Writing Institute with the support and leadership of Principal Barry
Kevorkian and teacher leaders: Michael Downs, Angelo Carideo, Amanda
Xavier, David Liotta, Rosinda Rodriguez, Sofia Rashid, Heather Barron and
others. Among her products and projects are: student print and
e-publications, museums in school, podcasts, oral history forums, Expos and
more.

74


Using Technology to Enhance Reading Skills for English Language
Learners

By KIMBERLY M. THOMAS

REASONS AND HYPOTHESIS:
English Language Learners have an extremely difficult time learning how to
read in their second language. Technology can be a very useful tool in
teaching reading readiness to middle school and high school aged English
Language Learners (ELLs) who are experiencing their first taste of the
English language.

Reading readiness is one of the biggest obstacles facing ELLs because of the
vast differences between English and most other languages. Reading
readiness skills/emergent (beginning) reading skills are very important
because they lay the groundwork for all other literacy related learning.
Without reading skills, students do not excel in any subject area, nor do they
have a good chance of graduating from high school or achieving higher
education (Slavin 2008).

Research shows that utilizing technology in English as a Second Language
classrooms (ESL) and Dual Language/Immersion classrooms can vastly
improve reading readiness and reading fluency in ELLs. Using technology to
improve reading skills in ELLs can be especially beneficial in the elementary
classroom. Using technology in the ESL classroom can positively affect the
overall high school dropout rate of ELL students; specifically that of Hispanic
students.

According to Padron (2002) information from the National Clearinghouse for
English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction indicates that the
number of English Language Learners in US schools has increased by an
astounding 150% in recent years. This increase in ELLs dictates a demand
for better ESL programs in our public schools. For this reason, I am
researching how technology can be useful in the English as a Second
Language and Dual Language/Immersion classrooms when teaching reading
readiness and basic reading skills; specifically, how this topic pertains to
students at the middle school and high school levels.

An article by Joftus and MaddoxDolan (2003) states that in the US, roughly
6 million secondary students read far below grade level and that
approximately 3,000 students drop out of U.S. high schools every day.
There have been vast improvements in technology as it pertains to
75

education in recent years and we, as educators, need to be aware of how to
use technology to reach all of our students and increase their learning
ability. Technology has been shown to dramatically increase ELLs second
language acquisition skills and reading ability.

A journal article by Constantinescu (2007) states that ELLs use their
knowledge of L1 to understand and comprehend their L2 by using a wide
variety of skills, strategies and background knowledge. Technology can help
ELLs bridge this gap between their L1 and L2, thus improving their overall
academic achievement and lowering the high school dropout rate. This
article will discuss the answers pertaining to how technology can help ELLs
bridge the achievement gap. It will also demonstrate how, by bridging the
gap between L1 and L2, more effective learning can take place. In addition,
we will learn how this can have an impact on the high school dropout rate,
particularly that of Hispanic students.

Lets explore these issues by using literature reviews to answer the following
questions:

QUESTION 1:
How Can Technology Effectively Improve Reading Achievement In
ESL/Ell Students?
Technology can effectively improve reading achievement in ESL/ELL students
by offering a bridge between their first and second languages. One way
technology can have an impact on the reading achievement of ELL students
is by increasing the interest for older students while keeping the text simple
and easy to read. (Ybarra 2003) In addition, technology can offer
immediate feedback on students' performance. This increase in interest can
give older students an incentive to grow their reading skills without making
them feel as though simple texts are too young for them. Technology has
also been shown to improve sight word recognition, fluency, vocabulary and
reading comprehension (Case, C. & Truscott, D. 1999). Utilizing technology
in the ESL reading classroom can provide students with alternative ways to
learn common sight words. This can lead to an increase in vocabulary and
fluency, both very important factors in reading comprehension.

By learning these specific words and consequently increasing their other
reading skills, ELLs can become better overall readers. These reading skills
carry over to other areas such as science, math and social studies, allowing
for better comprehension of these core subjects and, subsequently, better
success in these courses. Better understanding and success will motivate
and encourage ELLs to complete their education thus positively impacting
the overall high school dropout rate.
76


Because technology lends itself to multimedia lessons and projects, students
are better able to associate words with pictures and concepts, providing for
a better understanding of vocabulary and thus, better reading skills and
comprehension. Equally, utilizing technology in the classroom allows for
more multilingual educational aids and lessons than those found in basic
print material. In an article by Snow, Burns, and Griffin (1998), the authors
discuss research that shows that if students have a strong grasp of literary
elements in their primary language, they are able to transfer those skills to
reading in English, hence the usefulness of technology.

QUESTION TWO:
Which Types Of Technology Would Be Most Effective For English
Language Learners?
There are many different types of technology available for use in the
classroom, some more effective than others. In the ESL classroom, one of
the most effective forms of technology for teaching reading readiness and
other skills are computers and computer software (Fletcher 2011).
Computers offer an easy, fairly cost effective way (they are already found in
most schools) to incorporate technology into your ESL classroom's reading
curriculum. In addition, there are a wide variety of computer programs, both
free and for purchase, that can be used to promote literacy and scaffold
reading skills among ELLs. In an article by Waters (2007) he states,
Specialized ESL software is designed to help ELL students develop English
language listening, speaking, and reading skills.

This being said, in addition to basic programs, there is a great deal of
software that specifically teaches reading skills to ELLs. One of these
programs is Kurzweil 300. This software offers ELL support in the form of a
picture dictionary that can be used for associating images with words in both
English and Spanish. It also offers bilingual pronunciation of words for read
text (Tassistro 2010). Another software program that can be used to
enhance language acquisition for ELLs is Rosetta Stone. Lexia is still another
technology based resource that can help improve language skills (fluency,
patterns, phonemic awareness) in ELL students.

In addition to computers and computer software, IPods are becoming a big
part of reading programs in ESL classrooms. An article by Demski (2011)
states, Every aspect of English language learning: reading, writing,
listening, and speaking was enriched just by having these devices in the
classroom. IPods offer ELL students the ability to practice their reading and
vocabulary skills everywhere they go (NooNoo 2012). In addition to
increasing reading levels, IPods also encouraged more parental involvement
77

in ELL students' learning (Demski 2011). Providing technology such as Ipods
and laptops for student home use provides at risk students the ability to
study and complete technology based assignments and projects at home. In
today's society, access to technology is a critical component in overall
academic success. These steps can go a long way towards curbing the
Hispanic high school dropout (and overall dropout) rate. Students are more
likely to finish school when they are given the proper means to adequately
complete their work and advance their studies.

One other form of technology that is finding an increasing place in the ESL
classroom is blogging (online journaling). Blogging offers ELLs the ability to
practice reading and writing skills. According to an article by Campbell
(2003), there are three kinds of blogs that are available for use in the
language classroom. These are the Tutor Blog, the Class Blog and the
Learner Blog. Campbell stated that the Tutor Blog provides
students with varying reading material written by their instructor. This helps
ensure that the material is written at a level they (the student) can
understand and pertains to information and ideas that interest them. The
article states that in addition to this, a casual, natural writing style can be
used by the tutor to develop learner familiarity with native language
patterns. Campbell also discusses how blogging serves as a resource of
links for self study. His article states that, In the right and/or left margins of
the blog, permanent links can be setup and organized to aid the learner in
self-study, for example links to online quizzes, English news sites, keypal
networks, audio and video files for listening practice and ESL interactive
websites.

In a separate article, Stanley (2005) discussed the ways blogs can help ELL
students with reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills. He
stated that, This reading can be produced by the teacher, other students in
the same class, or, in the case of comments posted to a blog, by people
from all over the world. Stanley also said that Blogs provide a real
audience for student writing, encouraging them to use their newly acquired
vocabulary and comprehension skills.

QUESTION THREE:
What Is The Difference In Reading Readiness Between Those
Students Who Utilized Technology And Those Who Didn't?
Overall, studies show that those ELLs who utilized technology for reading
instruction showed a higher level of comprehension compared to those who
used traditional methods. In one article Wang (2005) states, We can
definitely agree that technology has done a great job in helping language
learning, but this is just the beginning of the age of technology enhanced
78

education. In the future, wireless networks, video conferencing and other
multimedia enhanced communication methods will be more popular in the
language classroom. According to research done by Slavin (2008), four
programs met the criteria for moderate evidence of effectiveness. Two of
these were the cooperative learning programs The Reading Edge and
Student Team Reading. READ 180, a mixed method approach that uses
computers in a broader comprehensive model, also fell into this category, as
did the early CAI program, Jostens. This study indicates that technology
can, in fact, improve reading readiness and comprehension more than
traditional, text based methods. A paper published by the Association of
Latino Administrators and Superintendents (2011) states, Technology has
become a universal motivator. Use available technology resources to
motivate ELLs to invest and engage in their learning. The same article
shows that in certain districts, 60% of 5th graders who participated in
technology based reading programs made significant progress and increased
their English language skills.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION:
All the research studied shows how technology can and does have a positive
impact on the level of reading readiness and comprehension among ELLs. It
is important to remember that all students learn in different ways and that
technology can appeal to a wide range of learners (Traore 2010). This
makes it possible to engage more students in the learning process, thus
creating a more successful ESL reading program. In conclusion, it is
reasonable to state that more school districts should utilize technology
whenever possible in their ESL curriculum. By doing so, districts will give
their ELLs a better opportunity to learn the English language and to transfer
their knowledge of L1 to L2 and become better readers, in turn, giving these
students the ability to succeed in all aspects of their education.

References:

Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. (2011). English
Language Learners: Incorporating Technology into the Academic
Achievement Strategy.

Campbell, A. (n.d.). Campbell Weblogs for Use in ESL Classrooms
(TESL/TEFL). Internet TESL Journal (For ESL/EFL Teachers). Retrieved April
9, 2012, from
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/CampbellWeblogs.html

Case, C. & Truscott, D. (1999). The lure of bells and whistles: Choosing the
best software to support reading instruction. Reading and Writing Quarterly:
79

Overcoming Learning Difficulties, 15 (4), 361369

Constantinescu, A. (2007). Using Technology to Assist in Vocabulary
Acquisition and Reading Comprehension. The Internet TESL Journal, XIII,
None.

Demski, J. (2011, May 2). ELL to Go THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological
Horizons in Education THE Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/05/02/elltogo.aspx?sc_lang=en.
http://iteslj.org/Articles/Constantinescu-Vocabulary.html

Fletcher, J. (2011, November 8). Teacher Training Should Start Before iPad
Deployment THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education
THE Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/11/08/teacher-training-should-start-
before-ipad-deployment.aspx

Joftus, S., & MaddoxDolan, B. (2003, April). Left out and left behind: NCLB
and the American high school. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent
Education. Reading Research Quarterly.

Noonoo, S. (2012, March 7). At One School, iPods Help Improve Reading
Scores THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education THE
Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/03/07/ipod-audiobooks-help-improve-
reading-scores.aspx

Padron, Y. (2002). Educating Hispanic Students: Obstacles and Avenues to
Improved Academic Achievement. Educational Practice. Washington DC:
Center for Applied Linguistics.

Slavin, R. (2008). Effective Reading Programs for Middle and High Schools:
A Best Evidence Synthesis. Reading Research Quarterly, 43, 290322.

Snow, C., Burns, S., & Griffin, P. (Eds.). (1998). Preventing Reading
Difficulties in Young Children. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Tassistro, E. (2010, August 3). Kurzweil 3000 Expands Content Sources, ELL
Support THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education THE
Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/08/03/kurzweil-3000-expands-content-
sources-ell-support.aspx
80


Traore, M., & Kyei Blankson, L. (2010, November). Using Literature and
Multiple Technologies in ESL Instruction. Ed/ITLib Digital Library. Retrieved
February 27, 2012, from
http://www.editlib.org/p/35485

Wang. (2005, May 1). The Advantages of Using Technology in Second
Language Education THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological Horizons in
Education THE Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2005/05/01/the-advantages-of-using-
technology-in-second-language-education.aspx

Waters, J. (n.d.). ESL Technologies: The Universal Language. THE Journal.
Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2007/01/01/esl-technologies--the-universal-
language.aspx

Ybarra, R. (n.d.). Ybarra & Green Using Technology to Help ESL/EFL
Students Develop Language Skills (TESL/TEFL). Internet TESL Journal (For
ESL/EFL Teachers). Retrieved April 9, 2012, from
http://iteslj.org/Articles/Ybarra-Technology.html
81

Please also look for the special interest groups podcast,
also titled Literacy Special Interest

The podcast and show notes are available at
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com
and at ISTE Casts the trusted voice in EdTech
http://iste.libsyn.com/
Episode #8: Non-Fiction Books and Literacy Learning
Featuring Host, Mark Guras Interview with Young Persons Author, Vicki Cobb

http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2013/08/non-fiction-books-and-literacy-
learning.html
Episode #7: Robotics and Literacy Learning - STEM and English Language
Arts Connected

http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2013/07/episode-7-robotics-and-
literacy.html

Special Episode: Professor Garfield, a Rich Source of Powerful, FREE
Instructional Resources - OR - How to Garfieldize Your Classroom!
Featuring an interview with Madelyn Ferris, who, on behalf of the Professor Garfield
Foundation, introduces the wonderful Professor Garfield online resource for teachers
and learners.
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2013/06/special-episode-professor-
garfield-rich.html
Episode #5: Classroom Blogging For Real... Finally!
Featuring an in-depth interview with Jeff Piontek, author of Blogs, Wikis, and
Podcasts, Oh My! Electronic Media in the Classroom
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2012/11/episode-5-classroom-blogging-
for-real_2056.html
Episode #4: The Drama of Literacy Learning
Featuring an interview with Scholastic author Mack Lewis
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2012/05/featuring-host-mark-guras-
interview.html
Episode #3: Every Kid Should Write and Publish!
Featuring an interview with education author and speaker, Bernard Percy
82

http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2012/04/episode-3-every-kid-should-
write-and.html
Episode #2: Author Study for the Connected Classroom
Featuring an exclusive interview with T.A. Barron, author of The Lost Years of Merlin.
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2012/02/literacy-special-interest-episode-
2.html

Episode #1 A Keeping Quilt for Literacy Education
Featuring an exclusive interview with author, Patricia Polacco
http://literacyspecialinterest.blogspot.com/2011/11/episode-1-notes-literacy-
special.html
83

LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST
Journal of the
LITERACY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP OF ISTE
International Society for Technology in Education
Sprint 2014
V1 N2

You might also like