Learning Log - Week 8: The Readings

Q: Which strategies can you adapt to help students who need help with reading?

1. Internet resources to engage students in literature - finding specific websites based on the plays or texts we are reading in order to provide background and analysis in the hopes to make the reading (especially the classical texts) more relevant to the students.

2. Internet resources to motivate student reading - websites that provide additional readings based on the text, but also accomodate students different interests.

3. Talking Books - this seems like a strategy to engage younger readers and I'm not sure where this would fit into my curriculum.

4. Tracking Systems - again, this seems like a strategy aimed at younger grade levels, but could be useful for younger high school students still struggling with reading comprehension. This seems to be more supplemental and used outside the classroom to strengthen skills.

Q: How can you use technology to assist in the writing process within your classroom?

1. Electronic Publishing - putting students work, such as their short plays, on my class website can motivate them to spend more time writing.

2. Keypals - discussing plays and other literature with students from around the globe would give students an audience for their writing and encourage them to take more time and care.

3. Concept Mapping - in my playwriting class, it could help students map out the plot and characters of their one act plays.

4. Spelling and Grammar Checkers - this is pretty obvious. I personally can't imagine using these tools on any writing I do; assists in teaching correct spelling, grammar, and usage.

5. Discussion Boards/Threaded Discussions - could provide a safe environment for students to express their thoughts and ideas. However, it would have to be monitored pretty close in order to prevent Cyber-bullying and the like.

6. Blogs - used as an online journal, students are motivated to write concerning topics being covered in class. It also provides an opportunity for others to read and respond to the journal entries.

Q:Consider the English language learners in your classroom and describe strategies for using technology to assist them in their language development.

1. Images downloaded from the Internet - for use as "visual scaffolding" as well as incorporating Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences and providing a catalyst for students to discuss, read, and write about.

2. Interactive "Storybooks" - perhaps hearing online readings of plays and other texts could strengthen language skills.

3. Presentation Aids - especially in my public speaking class, visual formats accompanying a speech teach students how to use language effectively to communicate.

4. Virtual Field Trips - Students get to see places they would normally not see; and thus have the opportunity to discuss and write about them. For example, taking a virtual field trip to The Globe during a Shakespeare lesson.

5. Listening Labs - to help with listening comprehension, but could also aid in improving interpretation of Old English and foreign dialects often used in the theatre.