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1. Alternative to Traditional Book Reports

My student's recent work is a perfect example of an alternative to traditional book reports.  He asked to read a web-based story that has an "online gaming" style to it.  It was so complex and convoluted, I offered for him to "teach" other students how to read and interact with the story through a video screen capture program.  He lives and breathes the internet and loved this project. Outcomes: student choice, stronger ownership and authenticity of their work, higher interest, all while learning (21st century skills practice, too).
2. Web Exploration of Sites and Blog Responses on Weebly 
This was my first exploration into "letting go" and letting students explore on their own.  Next, they responded to some directed questions in a blog format on Weebly.  Finally, they reflected upon what they'd researched and made connections to our reading in class.  Outcomes: without prompting, students responded to more than the requisite 2 comments, student choice, reflection, practicing 21st century skills, more students were actively engaged (quiet, shy students had a venue to interact).  It's a work in progress, but I'm hooked!


Check out my Weebly website for student responses: 
3. GoogleDocs & Novel Project
My Accelerated 8th grade language arts class works on a novel project all year.  They store it in a GoogleDoc and invite me to edit.  Of their own accord, students have shared their stories with each other and I see comments posted from friends and classmates related to the story line.  Later, they publish it in conjunction with our Napa Valley Writers Project and can bind their novels.