Title:

Elementary Writing Forums 

Presenter:

Leanna Prater 

Short Description:

Looking for a new way to conference with students? Find out about using on line forums for writing. 

Category:

Lab 

Length:

3 hour(s)

Skill Level:

Novice 

Long Description:

Fayette County On Line forums have been the basis of our research on ways to improve student writing. Session will include an overview of forums as well as information from recent research on peer conferencing within the forum. Participants will have the opportunity to register and take a hands on look at how forums work. We will also discuss other ways that forums can be used within the realm of the classroom. 

ISTE Standards:

Student *Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. *Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. *Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. *Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences. Teachers *Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to *Stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.  

Research:

Research on forums, blogs and other types of e-communication in terms of impact on writing is limited. Data collected from research project completed by two TRT's will be presented. Our findings are indicating that using forums for writing force students to focus on content and grammar while providing a real audience for their pieces. Also, we noticed an increase in student participation and motivation.