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Why did I choose this problem to address?
The language arts teachers at the school in which I am teaching have been working on the challenge of adapting to the new Common Core Standards, transitioning from the California State Standards that, in years past, drove our instruction. In addition, our school district has embraced an "technology-infused, inquiry-based" model of instruction for all disciplines. In our department meetings, we have attempted to reconcile the apparent dichotomy of covering "skills-based" standards via "inquiry-based" pedagogy.
My initial direction, the focus of my action research paper, aimed to explore some possible technology-based strategies. A colleague suggested a title by a local educator/author Catlin Tucker, CREATIVELY TEACH COMMON CORE LITERACY STANDARDS WITH TECHNOLOGY GRADES 6-12. This led to the decision to try the "Grammarly" tool, as a means to aid in proofreading and editing students' writing. Technically a "Chrome extension," Grammarly analyzes a text, identifying errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization and other problems in what we used to call "writing mechanics." After completing my action research, I further explored additional web-based digital tools which could find application in addressing English Language Common Core Standards, which forms the basis of this site. |
Guide to links
Click on "LESSONS" to find links to examples of lessons using web tools which are appropriate for middle school ELA classes, as well as links to download the app's software.
Click on "HOW TOs" to find video-based tutorials on getting started with each of the digital tools. Click on "REFERENCES" to view both "digital based" and "paper based" resources specific to teaching English Click on "ASSESSMENT" to see how Grammarly can be seamlessly used editing students' narrative and expository texts. |
LESSONS
HOW-TOs
REFERENCES
ASSESSMENT
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Infographic of Digital Tools for Common Core ELA Standards
Above is an infographic example created using the website easel.ly. Using one of the literally thousands of templates (example left), available on the site, this was easily (pun unintended) created substituting from a plethora of clip art, media, and objects available for free on the free website.
Infographics can provide a more visually engaging means of conveying information, statistics, summaries or processes. Students find these a motivating alternative to traditional assignments, as the templates provide a blueprint or "floor plan" and serve as a springboard for creative, colorful, professional, and even interactive presentations.
Infographics can provide a more visually engaging means of conveying information, statistics, summaries or processes. Students find these a motivating alternative to traditional assignments, as the templates provide a blueprint or "floor plan" and serve as a springboard for creative, colorful, professional, and even interactive presentations.