Let's Google!

Two weeks ago we began writing an essay on a role-model or hero. Many students chose men and women that have made a positive contribution to our nation and world. Some examples are Martin Luther King, Jr, Rosa Parks and Sojourner Truth. To kick start this essay, a handful of students were provided with their gmail account information. They logged in and other students joined them as we started brainstorming ideas for our essays. We discussed lead statement, transition words, I believe statements and facts or examples to support main ideas. The students loved seeing their peers on the same screen, working on ideas together and fixing each other's mistakes. Although we have transitioned to individual essays, Google Docs was a great resource to get them thinking and working together for a writing assignment. The next technology piece will include the use of the wiki so they can express their ideas in that format also.