This unit of instruction and its activities are intended for the professional development of K-12 teachers.
This unit of instruction will focus on improving current writing instruction by utilizing digital tools.

Goal - To integrate digital tools in the authentic writing process.
Objective - (K-12) Teachers will
1. Identify and use various digital tools that would best fit the authentic writing process 2.Plan how to use a tool in your writing curriculum 3. Reflect upon the use of tools used during this unit and how they can integrate the tools into current writing curriculum



Day 1-

Lesson Goal- To learn what Google Docs and Blogs are and to begin the process of integrating them into the writing curriculm.

Lesson Objectives-
1. Create a Google doc on which to collaborate with colleagues to create a summary of current intructional practice in the area of writing
2. Create a personal reflection Blog
3. Use the Blog daily to reflect on course activities.


Overview of Today's Activities-
Complete an Authentic Writing with Digital Tools Survey prior to attending
In groups based on grade level or department, create a summary and a reflection of your current writing curriculum using Google Docs.
Create a blog and post your reflection about the tools you used today

Activities created by Theressa and Seth

Assessment- Pre and Post Survey
Blog Posting 1
Google Doc Reflection



Day 2-

Lesson Goal- To learn what Voice Thread is and then practice integrating it into your current authentic writing processes

Lesson Objectives-
1. Identify and use Voice Thread in relationship to authentic writing processes
2. Plan how to use a tool in your writing curriculum
3. Reflect upon the use of Voice Thread used during this unit and how you can integrate the tools into your action plan

Overview of Today's Activities-
Learn how to use VoiceThread
Examine several examples of how VoiceThread is used by other educators
As a group, discuss and present uses of Voice Thread in curriculum
Listen to a podcast on Voice Thread uses in classrooms today
Post a quality example of grade-level student work with a brief explanation on VoiceThread.
Post your reflection about the tools you used today on a blog

Activities Created By- Becky and Jenny

Assessment- Creation of a Vioce Thread and Action Plan



Day 3-

Lesson Goal- To learn how to create a Classroom BlogPortal using 21Classes, and review features and uses in the classroom.

Lesson Objectives-
1. Identify the features of creating a Classroom BlogPortal/Homepage and use 21Classes in relation to the authentic writing processes
2. Post an entry on Homepage and examine student/teacher authentic writing uses.
3. Reflect on the activites features in relation to teacher/student use and how to use and/or introduce blogging to faculty or staff members

Overview of Today's Activities-View an iMovie presentation on how to create a Classroom BlogPortal using 21Classes.
Post an entry on a designated ClassHomepage using 21Classes as a student.
Examine and review posted entries as a group from a teacher's perspective.
Post a reflection entry on personal blogs with how they could introduce this tool to faculty or staff.

Activities Created by Karen and Jim

Assessment-Rubric, Action Plan, and Blog posting about content



After this course-
It is time to create your Action Plan. We would like you to think of one new technology that you would like to implement into your current writing curriculum. Please view the video located in the Activity 4 tab. Please post your completed Action Plan on to the school WIKI within 3 days of the end of the course. The link to the WIKI is located in the Activity 4 tab.



Identify Learning Experiences- Use Web 2.0 tools including blogs, wikis, VoiceThread, Google Docs, podcasts, and videos
Gain 1st hand knowledge of digital tools