Enhancing Writing Using Technology

January 18, 2002

Workshop Facilitator: Mariann Fedele

Objectives
1.Participants will be immersed in the writing process.
2. Participants will be introduced to new technology resources.
3. Participants will reflect on their writing experience.
4. Participants will apply what they've learned to their classrooms.

9:30-9:45 Introduction
Focus on the writing process and how technology can support and enhance it.
9:45-10:00 Prewriting

Go to www.freespeech.org and the video interpretation of Langston Hughes' poem "Let America Be America" by clicking on "search" and entering "Langston Hughes" as the keyword. While viewing, write down a few of the themes and ideas you see in the poem to share with the whole group.

10:00-10:30 Drafting
  • Using Microsoft Word, write on the topic of "My America."
  • Save on disk.
  • Share writing with a partner.
  • Listeners provide feedback.Comment on "What you liked, what could be added, what could be changed."
10:30-11:00 Revising
  • Based on conversation, revise your piece and save under a different name.
  • Share your revised writing with your partner.
  • Listeners provide feedback on changes.
11:00-12:00 Editing and Publishing

With the same partner, create a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher and present to whole group. See this handout for instructions on adding a picture.

12:00-12:30 Application
  • With your partner, go back to www.freespeech.org and choose another piece that may be used in a Black History Month unit.
  • Answer the questions on the worksheet provided.
  • Present to whole group.
12:30 Evaluation