Technology in The English Class: Ideas to Support Deeper Learning
Many teachers now have access to learning management systems, such as Moodle, or Google Apps, but most of the time, these platforms are used only as a place to post links to resources, handouts, and answer keys. In this presentation, you will learn how to use technology to create a deeper learning experience. You will learn how to use Google Apps, learning management systems in general, robust e-texts, video creation, and much more to support collaboration, personalization, and critical thinking. I will also share some of my failures and what I learned from them. As well, you will also learn how to set up assignments so that the teaching of technology interferes as little as possible with the learning goals of the class.
Click here to access the presentation slides.
Curricular Focus: English
Interactive: Usually not, but it may be possible in certain situations or longer timeframes. Please ask.
Estimated Time: 60 minutes but longer if more interactivity is desired
Click here to access the presentation slides.
Curricular Focus: English
Interactive: Usually not, but it may be possible in certain situations or longer timeframes. Please ask.
Estimated Time: 60 minutes but longer if more interactivity is desired
Presentation Tools: More than Just Slideshows
Often, when people think of student presentations, they think of slideshows, but there are many more ways for students to present their learning. This presentation will give you a range of different IT-based presentation tools to fit a range of purposes and learning styles. You will also learn some strategies to support you when you let your students choose the tools they want to use to present their learning.
Curricular Focus: Any
Interactive: Variable, depending on audience and desired format
Estimated Time: 45 minutes but longer if more interactivity is desired
Curricular Focus: Any
Interactive: Variable, depending on audience and desired format
Estimated Time: 45 minutes but longer if more interactivity is desired
Google Docs in English Class: Beyond Essay Composition
More and more English teachers are having their students write essays on Google Docs, instead of Microsoft Word. In this workshop, you will learn some of the reasons why Google Docs is a valuable alternative; however, you will also learn how to use Google Docs for peer-editing, self-reflection during revisions, shared note-making, close analysis of texts, and more. There will also be a chance for teachers to practice using Google Docs for theses purposes, and to share their own ideas and insights.
Curricular Focus: English
Interactive: Yes
Estimated Time: 1 hr
Curricular Focus: English
Interactive: Yes
Estimated Time: 1 hr
Discussion Facilitator
I think that some of the best professional development comes from networking and sharing ideas with other educators. That's why I've brought an edcamp-style approach to local professional development sessions. I ask attendees to share topics they are interested in discussing. Then I send out a survey to determine people's interest for each topic. The topic or topics that have the most interest become the basis of a discussion, which I can facilitate.
Curricular Focus: General
Interactive: Yes. In fact, active participation is necessary.
Estimated time: 1-2 hours, depending on the number of topics discussed
Curricular Focus: General
Interactive: Yes. In fact, active participation is necessary.
Estimated time: 1-2 hours, depending on the number of topics discussed
Shared Note-Making with Google Docs
Shared note-making takes the idea of students making notes and turns it into a collaborative activity. You will learn about the benefits of shared note-making and how Google Docs facilitates shared note-making.
Click here for a presentation outline
Curriculuar Focus: General
Interactive: Yes, but varies depending on the amount of time allotted
Estimated Time: 15 minutes - 30 minutes
Click here for a presentation outline
Curriculuar Focus: General
Interactive: Yes, but varies depending on the amount of time allotted
Estimated Time: 15 minutes - 30 minutes