Digital Tools for Reading and Writing Practice

Participants in the Technology and Learning Community of Practice (CoP) have been discussing different ways of involving learners using digital media. Several links and resources have been recommended. One article posted for consideration was http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rosenblum/the-critical-need-for-video-literacy_b_6967902.html , which discusses the critical need for video literacy, given the characteristics of the new types of learners on our block.

Some of the tools discussed are digital discussion boards for an ABE/ASE, the development of instructional video clips and YouTube publications, Classroom Management Systems (I use Moodle on my server), Wiggio at https://wiggio.com/ with a Wiggio presentation posted by member Nell Eckersley, and more.

There are many language-learning tools designed for ELL learners, and many of those can be easily adapted for native language reading and writing activities. Our LINCS Resources can help you find those easily.

Following are just a few samples of reading and writing sites that you might explore to get ideas to adapt for use among students:
•    http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/ - One of my favorite sites! This link has writing interactives that take students step-by-step through the process.
•    http://interactivesites.weebly.com/writing.html - A few more interactive prompts.
•    http://www.quill.org/ - Proofreading interactive
•    http://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/other/adulted/LearningLinks.html - Adult ed learning links.

Have you had your students create mini books? They love the project, and I'm a big believer in project-based education!)and learn to read and write better in the process.

•    http://www.vickiblackwell.com/makingbooks/ - Several templates to follow.
•    http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/newcontent/pdf/919937.pdf  - for kids but the instructions are easily adapted to adults.
•    http://www.ericode.com/minibook.htm  - Folding mini books

Hopefully, the ideas have whetted your appetite. Please take a moment to reflect on how technology can enhance reading and writing skills to engage your adult learners in useful and interactive activities. (We learn through interaction! Do you agree?)

What resources have you found useful in helping your students read and write better? How do you use technology resources in and out of the classroom?

You contributions are much appreciated by all. Let us hear from you today.

Leecy
Moderator, Reading and Writing Community
Moderator, Diversity and Literacy Community

Comments

Thanks Leecy, for bringing this discussion here into the reading and writing CoP.

One suggestion that has been discussed by a couple of people on the Technology and Learning CoP that I would love to hear thoughts about, especially from those here who teach writing is the idea of using social media platforms that students may already use with their friends and family, such as Facebook. I learned from the discussion in the Technology and Learning CoP that some teachers set up free _private_ Facebook pages that they invite only their students to, and then they use this familiar format for practicing written discussion. Do you do that? If so, tell us about it!

Everyone here who teaches writing, what do you think of that idea for providing writing fluency practice? Is it crazy? Brilliant? Impractical for your program or students? If you like the idea but also have some very real obstacles to achieving it in your setting, what are they? I could present those for you over on the Technology and Learning CoP (or you could join and present them yourself) and we'll see if we can come up with some solutions.

David J. Rosen

Technology and Learning CoP Moderator

djrosen123@gmail.com

David, you raised excellent questions here and shared very useful ideas for writing instructors.

I know that others in this group will have experiences and views to share on the issues you raised! Thanks for adding good grist to this mill, David! Can't wait to hear what others have to add. Leecy