Title:

Using Kidspiration to Plan Creative Writing 

Presenter:

Amy Johns 

Short Description:

This session will discuss the importance of graphic organizers in writing and what role software such as Kidspiration can play in improving the final product. 

Category:

Classroom 

Length:

1 hour(s)

Skill Level:

Novice 

Long Description:

This session will discuss the importance of using graphic organizers in the writing process. We will look at research supporting the use of graphic organizers in general, and then discuss ways that technology can further enhance and improve the process. The results from a research project comparing two 4th grade classes using graphic organizers to plan a creative writing piece will be discussed. For this research, one class used only paper-based organizers while the second class completed the organizers using Kidspiration. We will also look at Kidspiration and Inspiration to discuss ways that these pieces of software can help students improve their writing. 

ISTE Standards:

Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Teachers facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards. Teachers apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.  

Research:

In July, 2003, “Graphic Organizers: A review of Scientifically Based Research” was published by Inspiration Software, Inc. The purpose of the report was to “provide educators with evidence of the instructional effectiveness of the use of graphic organizers…”. The report includes summaries of 29 scientifically based research studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of graphic organizers across grade levels and content areas. Using this information, I conducted research comparing two 4th grade classes. One class used paper-based graphic organizers and one used Kidspiration to plan a creative writing piece. Results of the study are not yet available, but will be posted later this spring.