The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Q1
Let's start off fairly. Is there still room for the five paragraph essay? I worry that it kills the love of writing, but let's think about how it can be useful.
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A1 I will admit that formulas sometimes help kids feel like they can get a foot in the door, but once they know how to use them, I still worry that they kill the fun of actually doing it...
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A1: For younger students I think sometimes āformā writing is a good way to introduce things but Iām not one to be rigid with it. We always talk about how itās always okay to add more or write less depending on where youāre at in your writing, and to try to be unique. #2PencilChat
A1 I think there is. It is good for organizing ideas and language begets ideas. However, my Ss have much preferred making slide presentations or websites. #2PencilChat
A1: I have to admit that I still think it offers the building blocks to formalize an argument. As a philosophy major I still see value in teaching kids a structure to present logical thinking. With that being said, it is a launching pad not a dead end. #2pencilchat
A1 One thing I like about structure is it gives you something to rebel against, until you get far enough along to learn that the training wheels weren't the goal.
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A1 The 5-paragraph essay helps some students make multiple points in the service of an argument. The problem is that students (and teachers) rigidly equate it with essay-writing. No published essay has that format. #2PencilChat
A1.2 The 5P needs to be one of many essay structures students learn. They need to learn how to choose a structure based on the purpose and audience of their writing. #2PencilChat
A1. Oh, the 5 paragraph essay. It's dreaded by so many, but I feel the basic structure is important. I worry that we are losing the art of writing & communicating. #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's start off fairly. Is there still room for the five paragraph essay? I worry that it kills the love of writing, but let's think about how it can be useful.
#2PencilChat
A1: a. It depends on if the topic is meaningful. b. Are the Ss inspired to want to write more at the end of the day? c. Is there an authentic audience? #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's start off fairly. Is there still room for the five paragraph essay? I worry that it kills the love of writing, but let's think about how it can be useful.
#2PencilChat
Hello to all the great educators at #2pencilchat Iām a presenter on the blended writerās workshop and consultant with @EdTechMI sounds like a super topic!
I had this EXACT convo with my wife last night! Great writers learn the rules and learn them well, so that when they break them, they break them with purpose and to make an even bigger splash! #2PencilChat
A1.1 I agree that it kills the love of writing. I think this happens b/c that's the only type/form of writing many teachers assign. If you don't like it or aren't good at it and you have to do it all the time, you will definitely hate it. #2PencilChat
Q2
How do new modes of writing such as podcasts, blogs, vlogs (and others...) open up new opportunities to teach good writing?
Also: What's your favorite new mode of writing?
#2PencilChat
If the formula is restrictive, that will certainly dampen the inspiration. I still think if the topic is meaningful and the audience authentic, there is a shot. #2PencilChat
A2 My kids love vlogs and I think they will love podcasting more so than writing. When they have to write a script to record they don't look at it as writing š #2PencilChat
A2: Good question! I kind of love teachable moments for turning colloquial speech into correct spelling and grammar. I no longer say, āItās not gonna! Itās going to!ā We talk about where and when itās appropriate, like texting vs school writing. #2PencilChat
A1: I have a love/hate relationship with the 5 paragraph essay. I spend my morning breaking AP students from writing the 5P, but Iāve used it in collaborative English to support struggling writers who need the structure and support. #2PencilChat
A2. The new forms of writing that are appearing are teaching good writing be really helping Ss develop their voice. It also really forces them to make their point instead of being wishy-washy.#2PencilChat
A1 I think the structure provides a sense of confidence. Once they get the hang of itā they expand. So many Ss just sit and donāt know how to begin. Learning a āformulaā can help with this. Be sure to provide many opportunities for free writes too. #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's start off fairly. Is there still room for the five paragraph essay? I worry that it kills the love of writing, but let's think about how it can be useful.
#2PencilChat
A2: I love that the idea of writing has changed so much and voice can be used as a form of writing. I think it helps Ss understand that itās not about the way it looks, but what is being said. I donāt necessarily have a favorite. I love them all! #2PencilChat
Q2
How do new modes of writing such as podcasts, blogs, vlogs (and others...) open up new opportunities to teach good writing?
Also: What's your favorite new mode of writing?
#2PencilChat
A2 Online-published writing gives students an immediate audience, which has the potential of motivating them to express themselves more clearly, purposefully, and creatively. #2PencilChat
A2: I think of writing as any form utilizing symbols to exude meaning. With emojis, GIFs, memes, etc. we are experiencing a universal language that is evolving at break neck speed. I donāt believe we view it with the seriousness such a phenomenon deserves #2pencilchat
Q2
How do new modes of writing such as podcasts, blogs, vlogs (and others...) open up new opportunities to teach good writing?
Also: What's your favorite new mode of writing?
#2PencilChat
A2.1: Also apparently Iām not cool because I need to start looking at podcasts and vlogs. Iām impressed I started Twitter and actually use it! My kids love tweeting and adding gifs... thatās all I got! Lol #goals#2PencilChat
A2.1 my personal new favorite form of writing is the "Tweet." I tend to be long winded. Can't do that here. This is my version of poetry. Short and concise. #2PencilChat
My students also love @BookCreatorApp and @googleslides for writing. We also write in our Writerās Notebook every night. I never check them; just to see if they are working in them. #2pencilchat
A2. I think these modes of writing offer authentic ways for students to express themselves. My favorite is podcast, but havenāt had much time to promote it. #2PencilChat
Yep, and choice comes in again...it works a lot better if kids care about what they're writing , and if they feel like their words are gonna matter. #2PencilChat
A2. It opens up the idea of an audience for studentsā writing. Itās not just for the teacher to read anymore. The sharing element makes it real. #2PencilChat
I think teaching students to make a point concisely is so important. From there, they can learn to put their points together to make a large point! #2PencilChat
A1: For students who lack foundational structure, it provides them with guidelines to follow for organization of thought. After they build organization skills, they can venture from there. I tell them, āBuild the house before going to Bed, Bath, and Beyond!ā #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's start off fairly. Is there still room for the five paragraph essay? I worry that it kills the love of writing, but let's think about how it can be useful.
#2PencilChat
I think teaching students to make a point concisely is so important. From there, they can learn to put their points together to make a large point! #2PencilChat
A2: New modes of writing (blogs, etc.) validate imperfection, emotion, vulnerability and rawness in writing. Itās so beneficial for students to see unedited thought construction in writing in order to promote risk taking/build their confidence as writers. #2PencilChat
A2: the fact that there is something for everyone is a huge opportunity to get kids hooked on the beauty, power and relevance of language! #2pencilchat
A2: I think it allows students and teachers a greater connection to WHY writing is important. Itās about communication. Have a student take their writing and make a blog post with it to see if itās a clear piece of communication. #2PencilChat
Q2
How do new modes of writing such as podcasts, blogs, vlogs (and others...) open up new opportunities to teach good writing?
Also: What's your favorite new mode of writing?
#2PencilChat
A2 my passion! Ss think, write, and publish in so many creative ways. āChoreā of writing for some vanishes and they beg for writing time. My favorite mode? Toss up! I love eBooks because with app smashing many tools can be explored. #2pencilchat#blendedwritersworkshop
Q2
How do new modes of writing such as podcasts, blogs, vlogs (and others...) open up new opportunities to teach good writing?
Also: What's your favorite new mode of writing?
#2PencilChat
A3) I work collaboratively with others in the same room, in my school, across my district, and around the world using Google Docs. I ā¤ļø it! #2pencilchat
I love this! I'd rather start with my students feeling confident to voice their ideas, and then hone them. It's easier to be real and honest when you're not worried about polish. #2PencilChat
A3: I LOVE collaborative writing. My students are constantly collaborating with their peers and myself through comments, suggestions, and questions about their writing submitted through Google direct comments. #2PencilChat
A3.1: Collaborative tools... let me know if Iām off! My kids this year have really taken to comic/book making so in my writing center thereās a variety of paper they can use to create with. The kids have really inspired me... #2PencilChat
A3 My students are teachers so recently I set up an Interactive Digital Notebook with Google Slides and placed it in their Google Classroom folder. The aim was to have a place for them to be expressive and share their voice. #2PencilChat
A3: I like using tools like #GoogleKeep and #Padlet for students to collaborate brainstorming ideas. Of course Google Docs, Slides, & Drawings have changed the game in how students and teachers can collaborate. #2pencilchat
A3. I love that both @GoogleForEdu and @MicrosoftEDU have methods for students to collaborate on projects! I have also used Googleās Story Builder for collaborative creative writing. #2PencilChat
A3. This is a game changer. Our system initiative (Leading Lights) has just moved all 163 schools onto 0365 so our Ss & Ts can now collaborate with anyone in the whole system. We have Ss 100s of kms apart working together in a virtual school. #2PencilChat
A3. I don't have much for this one. I'm curious what others have to say. When I was in grad school, we used Google Docs to help each other edit things. #2PencilChat
A2: Social Media, texting, and blogging makes writing more personal to them. They understand and identify with these formats. #2pencilchat Having students write more, whatever style, strengthens the process. Expose them to all forms of writing to encourage a love for it!ā¤ļø
A2 New formats for writing are gifts to writers to send their voice out into a real world. Favorite mode of writing for me is poetry but I can place the poems in @Buncee#blogs and my galleries. #2PencilChat
A3.3 We also give feedback every time we share. They can choose 2-3 people and the feedback they give is amazing!! I can see how it sparks them to make changes the next time whether itās using better handwriting or writing with more detail. #2PencilChat
Good idea Mickey. I encourage them to comment and I created a forum for them to showcase their work and seek feedback: mini-gallery, Wall of Fame...#2PencilChat
A3.1Because we are a detention facility, my boys still like to kick it old school with the marbleized notebook. We don't have a lot of access to technology. Especially ones that allow communication with others. #2PencilChat
Hiya #2pencilchat crew! I'm a newbie to this chat and a little late to the party, but thought I'd join in.
A1: Yes, there is still room for the 5-paragraph essay. IMO, it's the purpose of that essay and the skill of the Ss doing it that matters most.
Yes! Ss can be remarkably organized when speaking and using speech-to-text tools. Gets past that brain fog that can happen when trying to type at a computer. #2pencilchat
A3: Peer editing/feedback is a gift to any student giving/receiving it. When we promote safe classrooms it affords students the opportunity to learn both how to take feedback & how to construe it while theyāre doing more of what we want them to be doing - READING! #2PencilChat
I think the focus on Google Apps has made people unaware of what O365 has to offer. I learned about Sway this year, and I think it is incredible! #2PencilChat
A4 All the choice feasible; my keyboard is not your ballpoint is not their quill. Rarely do you hear of a writing lovestory with loads of restrictions #2PencilChat
A3: With the ability to connect in real time where writing mimics conversation, not teaching kids how to collaborate effectively via these informal spaces is tragic. The only way to see itās value is to model these tools and provide the sandbox for kids to play #2pencilchat
Our teachers primarily use Google Docs and Classroom. Wonderful tools for collaboration! Iām sure they use other programs too, but GSuite is the tool of choice!#2PencilChat
Indeed it is a happy day on Long Island. My walk allowed me to notice, wonder and create digitals embedded with #poetry. Invite to all to my #Sense-sationalSpring Gallery: https://t.co/wkBWzo3ifT#2pencilchat
A4: So many great ways for our students to become creators and publishers of content! The challenge is keeping all of the tools organized for teachers, students, & parents!!! #2PencilChat
A3: Collaborative tools allow Ts to foster many skills while practicing writing. For example: teamwork, anger management, digital citizenship... #2pencilchat
A4: Thatās why I like the Writerās Workshop model. I still teach all my standards for writing, genre, spelling and grammar but I always end mini lessons with, āMaybe this will inspire you to write... (whatever it may be) but do you have to? No, itās your choice.ā #2PencilChat
Great ideas and great quote! Constructive, supportive feedback is what every writer yearns for. I am amazed at how few Ts are avid readers and writers. That sends an unfortunate message to Ss! #2pencilchat
A3: Peer editing/feedback is a gift to any student giving/receiving it. When we promote safe classrooms it affords students the opportunity to learn both how to take feedback & how to construe it while theyāre doing more of what we want them to be doing - READING! #2PencilChat
A4 They have a lot of choice in terms of topic so they can choose something meaningful. They also make choices about which strategies theyāll use to help them come up with a thesis, add imagery, organize their ideas. #2PencilChat
Our school collaborated briefly with #nwp. Not really long enough (or with enough teachers being involved) to see our kids writing develop. Makes me sad. #2PencilChat
A4. Honestly, I think it depends upon your subject area and the level you teach. I think exposure is important. If we don't expose to different kinds/styles of writing, we will lose our authors & new styles of writing won't develop. #2PencilChat
A2: I ā¤ļø new forms of media like podcasts, vlogs, @Medium, etc. out there because Ss can create for and publish directly to real world audiences. Pair that w/ @CommonSense and you've got a powerful experience.
I'm ā¤ļøing 360Ā° photo & want to play more w/video. #2pencilchat
A4 choice is a huge motivator. I allowed my Ss to choose the mode for publishing. Some did greenscreen and movies, eBooks, blogs, and some even used paper. Results were fabulous because everyone had something special to share. Writing for purpose. Choice matters. #2PencilChat
Sway is an online presentation platform that Ss can collaborate on. They can start from a topic which the program will gather relevant info for the students to manipulate. It takes care of all formatting so that Ss only focus on the content, not the pretty. #2PencilChat
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @MickMack629, @MagicPantsJones
And I think we're seeing the effects in adults who are using public writing spaces without having processed good mores and norms for interacting online... #2pencilchat
A3: Hmm, I think all writing can be collaborative, and there's power in that too. You (luckily) don't need tech either. Ss can collab on @Flipgrid
and @padlet but can also do so by passing around the same sheet of paper, adding to each other's words.
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A4.2 I ask lots of questions to help students notice where they areāin the writing project as as writersāand choose strategies that will work for them. #2PencilChat
Let's remember that collaborative talk is the first step in writing. I'm with you Alex. Let's give learners the tools to collaborate effectively. #2PencilChat
I also play a writing game in which students tell a story in a circle either one sentence at a time or one word at a time. It's hilarious! The Ss love it. It teaches them writing can be fun. #2pencilchat
A4. I never focus on a genre, but always starts with authorās purpose. If you know what the (P)urpose is, who the (A)udience is, the (G)enre and literary (E)lements will follow and you will get it down on to your PAGE. Thatās what we use to plan our writing #2PencilChat
Oh, it's awesome. It was actually started by @biz who co-founded Twitter.
You can publish articles, make an online zine, and my fave --annotate the articles.
Let me know what you think.
#2pencilchat
In reply to
@MickMack629, @Medium, @CommonSense, @biz
A5: One of the challenges is to get Ss to take their time and find the words that make their message stand out! I didnāt get this until adulthood. #2pencilchat
A5 Students learning to collaborate respectfully with each other is another skill to be taught. They need to learn everyone has a valuable contribution #2PencilChat
A5 Publishing online must become apple polished end pt. Learners need 2 understand fine pts of publication & how 2 properly credit their work & give credit to others they quote or use their photos.Check out my latest gallery w some #stuvoice: https://t.co/B1HayKfG5Z#2PencilChat
A5. You can reach a wider audience, but you leave yourself open to trolls depending on your subject and what you have to say about it. Makes me think about all the women getting harassed for blogging about gaming. #2PencilChat
A2: By using various modes of writing as mentor texts, Ts are able to deconstruct writing for Ss and analyze the role, audience, format, topic, etc. #2pencilchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
Yeahhhh, I just ended up putting some šµ to the side to get one for myself. They've gone down in price.
That said, the @google#Pixel phone (maybe others too) has a "spherical panorama" feature that is almost comparable.
#2pencilchat
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @Medium, @CommonSense, @Google
A5 Online tools can expand studentsā options in how they use their voices. These same tools can make it too easy to opt out of more challenging genres, and students might ultimately not see themselves as serious writers. #2PencilChat
A3: collaborative tools allow Ss to work together to create a product. You can also have Ss provide feedback to one another. #2pencilchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A5. We've been learning digital literary & citizenship. So, my mind goes to the ease of "copy & paste" & not using reputable sources. Ss need to know this isn't okay in any form of writing. #2PencilChat@CommonSense
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals!
Thank you for joining us tonight! Now go out and make writing fun and interesting for your students, and for YOU!
Hey everybody, now that the #2PencilChat is over, I hope you'll join me and @m_drez on #BunceeChat this Thursday at 8 PM EDT. We're talking about using Buncee to Finish Strong as the school year winds down.
