Do you believe?

No, I don't mean in Santa Claus! I was working with a teacher over the past few months on a project that incorporated her creative writing classes and technology. How, you ask? Well, let me explain.

Oh, about 50 years ago a guy you may know Edward R. Murrow was producing a show called SEE IT NOW on CBS. Murrow was definitely interested in the common person perspective and he started a program called "This I Believe" on public radio in the United States. The results were amazing. Now, I wasn't around in those years, but I have listened to so many of the archived recordings I have lost count. Some are inspiring; others are not. Some are academic; others are not. It doesn't really matter the theme of each recording, the listener could literally hear into the heart of people, to see a side of them that you would never see. This I Believe was something special.

Now, time travel to 2008 and see how that can work in the classroom. As teachers we all want our students to write and write well. I remember my English teachers telling my class to write and giving us different themes or topics to write about. I wrote, as did our class, and the teacher marked it, returned it and I looked at the mark and then what happened? You're right...it ended up in the trash can or at the bottom of my locker. But that was a long time ago as well.

Now...Students are given a writing assignment to write abut something they are passionate about(their theme or topic). They are then told that they will be recording their writing to be published on a website/blog/wiki(not the trash can or locker).

In the project I am currently working on, the students have been working hard to create writing pieces that are well-written and having them record their own voice is adding a whole new dimension for them and the teacher. The project is breathing new life into creative writing. Is there an impact on student achievement? I can't tell that. What I can tell is that there is an increase in student engagement and that I believe will lead us to the path all teachers and administrators want; increased achievement.

"I've got one computer...What can I do?"

It's a question I hear all the time. How can a teacher possibly be expected to integrate technology and reach students who want to use technology? The answer is not an easy one, but the possibilities are out there. Lets look at one case example:

In an elementary classroom the teacher has a computer at her desk and one older iMac sitting on the table. She also has 25 students. Not exactly the ratio we would like to have in order to make a go at using technology in the classroom. The thing is, there are lots of neat ideas that could be used in the classroom. Providing she has access to a multi media projector she could create a jeopardy game of math facts. Groups of students could be set up at a podcasting "center" to create a lesson of the day podcast. This could rotate daily so that each student will have a chance to participate in making the podcast. The teacher could use iTunes podcasts (video or audio) to enrich the curriculum.

The possibilities are there. Creativity is the key for the most part and students will enjoy the change of pace.

Enjoy!