Writing: Students can write and revise in a wiki without fear of losing anything meaningful. This is because wikis archive, a term that means previous versions are saved (although hidden from public view) and can be retrieved at a later date in case someone says, "uh-oh, I didn't mean to do that!" or realizes that their editing has taken them down a path they don't like. Say goodbye to multiple saved drafts! Writing: Students can publish their writing in a public forum and offer two different ways for interaction with their audience (of peers, of instructors, of anyone!). First, readers can use the "comment" feature to share their compliments, reflections, concerns, additions, whatever. Second, if the student provides access to another writer, that writer can go into the text and make additions or changes, post questions, add counterpoint, etc. This is safe due to the restricted access (each potential writer has to be given access) and the archive function (see previous bullet) which allows writers to instantly restore a previous draft.

How can podcasts help?

• Educators can offer multiple podcasts or vodcasts that explain content from different angles
• Educators can allow students to use podcasting (such as songs, radio shows, and news reports) and vodcasting (such as music videos, documentaries, and performing arts) technologies alone or as a group to create projects
• Writing: Students can use voice recordings to prewrite (also click here), rewrite, and check for tone. For content area writing assignments, these informal "writer's drafts" serve as good reviews of content for the student and for others. For formal essay writing, one teacher shared that his students practiced "code switching" by speaking with a British accent as it cued them to change from their informal, street speech to one more formal and appropriate to formal writing. This can be used when prewriting with voice! Try Jott or another speech-to-text program to use both the sound file and the written file.
• Writing: A brief PhotoStory is a good way to get a prewrite done. Use images, graphic organizers (from Word, Inspiration, Webspiration or any other mind mapping application), or PowerPoint slides saved as .jpg files as the graphics, then use voice over to sculpt the writer's reflections on direction for the work. Also useful for offering meaningful peer response--who wouldn't be more invested in offering feedback if they were making a movie!

How can blogs help?

• Educators can use daily and weekly blog postings to clarify choices and communicate to students and parents which parts are choice and which parts are required
• Educators can use blog postings to frequently make connections between the current content and real-life application