Comprehending Holes by Louis Sacher with Web 2.0 Tool

By Jennifer Kelley

History: Language Art (LA) teacher looking for new innovative ways to do quick checks for comprehension during novel reading.

Web 2.0 tool todaysmeet.com discussed with LA teacher.

Media specialist collaborates with teacher on novel (Holes by Louis Sacher)

Instructions given to teacher on how to set-up todaysmeet.com for LA classes

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) piloted at middle school

Teacher decided she needed a way to use devices while they were reading novel

Needed a way to check comprehension during class while reading novel

Collaborated with media specialist on Web 2.0 tools

Todaysmeet.com was discussed

Format of tool is easy to use

Quick set-up time

Platform mimics Twitter so students will be familiar with structure

Real-time access to answers

Interaction between students to teacher and student to student

Ability to print transcript after class so written record of information is available.

Media specialist assists LA teacher with initial set-up of Web 2.0 tool

Coordinated time to assist teacher with visiting class to help initial set-up with students and their devices

Laptops made available for students who do not have devices

Explained Web 2.0 tool to students and how to utilize it

Monitored students use of site

While reading novel in whole group, students instructed to use their reading strategies and reciprocal teaching

Instructed to write comments on Web 2.0 tool:

• Questions

• Comments

• A-ha moments

• Predictions

Periodically, teacher poses questions on tool

Students are expected to answer the question

Students are expected to comment on classmates comments

Immediately, teacher is able to assess if students are understanding what is being read in novel

Once your room is created, you are ready to start.

Give students URL to site

This is what the site looks like when they go to URL

Once the student is in the tool, they will enter their name

They are now in the forum

Whatever they type in the message box will be seen by anyone in the forum in the listen box

This tool can be utilized as a during and post reading strategy

Simple to set-up and maintain

Real-time access

Innovative

Utilizes technology tools

Ability to print transcript if needed

1.4.2 Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process

2.1.5 Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems.

3.1.2 Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners

3.1.6 Use information and technology ethically and responsibly

3.2.2 Show social responsibility by participating actively with others in learning situations and by contributing questions and ideas during group discussion

3.3.2 Respect the differing interests and experiences of others, and seek a variety of viewpoints

4.1.7 Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information

4.3.1 Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person

Communication and collaboration :

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

Digital Citizenship:

Students understand human, cultural, and societal

issues related to technology and practice legal and

ethical behavior.

"ISTE Standards For Students." ISTE Standards For Students. ISTE, n.d. Web. 13 June 2014.