I've been thinking over my "paperless" idea and believe that Dave is right-- I already sort of know what will happen with this inquiry. I have been thinking in the last few days of differentiation and how digital media may help me differentiate more widely and across different sections of my ELA classes. I have little to no idea how this inquiry will "end up"...and I feel like that is how I should feel
For example, I recently set-up a blog for five of my "top" students to discuss Lord of the Flies while the rest of the 8th grade reads The Hunger Games. These 5 students are in 3 different sections of ELA and would never be able to get together to discuss the book in school hours. They all read The Hunger Games last year, and while they enjoyed it (who wouldn't??), they do need a challenge. I also failed my "top" student miserably last year....they just did not get the challenge they needed. Hence, the blog...we'll see how it works.
Anyway, this has all lead me to think that there has to be other ways that I can use digital resources to give all students what they need when they need it.
New tentative inquiry question: What happens when digital literacy/tech integration is used to differentiate in the 8th grade ELA classroom?...or something of the sort.
What I need from coaches and peers is: A) feedback on my question, B) ideas of other programs or applications out there that may contribute to this inquiry....C) anything else that anyone else can think of!
I really like this question. It makes me think about possibilities in my own ELA class. Last year some of my 8th grade students really enjoyed using google.docs to get feedback from peers. I also enjoyed seeing the comments they gave to each other. Students across the spectrum seemed to get engaged with this. There was still a group that stayed on the fringes. I'll be interested to see how students respond to other options for response and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome way to reach your students. Will you differentiate through digital programs themselves? Or will differentiation naturally happen through the books/classwork they are doing?
ReplyDeleteGina--
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback. I am afraid that there will constantly be that group on the fringe...I guess that's where I'm at with trying anything and everything to reach and engage them. I am crossing my fingers and thinking that trying something is better than knowing the "surfer dudes" are there (surfing by) and I'm not trying anything new or different. I am fairly confident that everyone in this class is in that same boat.
Bailey-- I am not sure about the answer to your question. Either? Both? Right now, it's through the books they are reading and using technology as a way to chat about the different books (because the "higher" kids that are reading a different book are all in different sections). am excited that I don't really know right now and more excited to find out.
Sorry to be late in coming back to this conversation; your question is taking an interesting turn. I'm guessing this blog is under way now, and one thing you might be seeing is either their level of engagement in this independent blog, or lack thereof. Are you involved in the blog, creating questions for the students to respond to? Or are the students talking without you? That opens two more ways of looking at this - are digital conversations effective, do they occur among students to a meaningful level, or left on their own in a "digital room" like a blog, are the results light conversation and mayhem? Working with this small group might give you some insights before or as you consider using blogs with all of your students. The engagement factor might draw in those previously unmotivated students.
ReplyDeleteWhat I created (so far??) is a forum wherein the students chat and talk about symbols in the book Lord of the Flies. I have done "symbol dictionaries" with freshmen in the past and thought that these four students would be capable of deeper thought.
ReplyDeleteI posted six symbols (Ralph, Simon, Piggy and his glasses, Jack, The Beast, the fire, and the conch). Whenever they saw the object or person, they were to post their thoughts on what the symbol could mean and justify their thoughts. I have been participating in that I am pushing them along-- asking them to clarify, asking for more information, or letting them know when they are on the right track but to watch for changes as they read.
SO FAR, I have had very strong responses and I have not had to prod them into posting. One student has had trouble getting onto the forum and has only one post actually up because of that.
They seem to be building off of one another's thinking and I am HOPING that they are not cheating by looking up information online. I had told them that they would be able to find this information in various spots but asked them to be honest and NOT cheat, as that ruins the fun. Right now, I really believe they have not checked any sites out and I hope that continues.
One thing I might do is ask them to post a question each per week about the book and reply to everyone's question. I am going to call them to study hall tomorrow or Tuesday to chat in person about this possibility.
The site is: tamiddleschoolreads.blogspot.com if anyone wants to check it out.