Hicks the Hero

Troy Hicks' text, The Digital Writing Workshop, reconfirmed everything I thought and loved about integrating technology into the classroom. In addition to helping me organize my classroom blog, Hicks has also exposed me to new ways of using technology in the classroom. One use of technology that I had not previously thought of is to use Google Docs for rough drafts of major assignments and projects. By having a working Google Doc with each student, as a teacher, you can explicitly coach students into writing exceptional pieces of work. Saving trees doesn't hurt either. :) Another use of technology I hadn't previously thought of is to have students use their blog as a portfolio. By having students add lengthier, major projects, viewers will not only be able to see the student's blog work, but also what is occurring within the classroom. All in all, Hicks truly helped me envision what is possible within my classroom. Above are my students working on their own blogs!

Google Docs as an Instructional Tool

After reading from Hicks' text, I really began to get excited about the actual act of teaching abroad. He brings up and discusses many integrative ways to include technology within the (ESL) classroom. Google Docs would be an AMAZING tool to use to monitor my students' writing and comprehension skills. I would be able to give each English Language Learner undivided attention after each class in regards to their progress. This new realization has made me so eager to get started! My only concern is that there may be a lack of technology where I am teaching. Does anyone have suggestions for getting technology into the classroom? Do you think a site like Donors Choose would sponsor me to get iPads for my classroom? Help!