Novel way for using technology.
By PETER LELONG, VINCE SUMMERS.
500 words31 July 2002Hobart MercuryMRCURY26English(c) 2002 Davies Brothers Limited
STUDENTS in years 5 to 8 are helping to write a great online novel
called Billy Bathtub.
As confidence grows in the use of online learning technologies, we are
seeing the range of activities made available for students continue to
develop.
The adventures of Billy Bathtub, supported by the Department of
Education, is a topical case in point.
Author Damian Morgan is currently engaged in writing a novel, online,
in collaboration with Tasmanian students during second term.
A teacher and writer for many years, Damian has been working with
students from around the state in recent weeks.
On the completion of the novel in August, Erica Wagner, a publisher
with Allen & Unwin, will be editing the novel for publication. The
contributions of the students who participated in developing the story
will be acknowledged.
The partnership of writer and editor in an online collaborative project
with schools around Tasmania is certainly a new and innovative way of
engaging students from years 5 to 8 in the writing process.
With the completion of four drafts of chapter one completed, the author
posted a number of questions on the forum to engage students to take an
active part in writing the story with him.
"I know this is the story of Will Reynes, but do I call him Will or do
I call him I?" Morgan asks.
One of the many responses which he received: "I think if the story is
going to be written in the present tense it should be written in the
third person, but if it is in the past tense, the first person. I
personally find stories easier to read if they are written like that."
The story revolves around the adventures of Will Reynes, who we first
meet in chapter one as he tries to rescue his window-cleaning mother
from a high-rise building, where she has become entangled in her safety
harness.
In chapter two, Will, is with his father in a frantic rush to the
airport, to meet an important scientist who comes complete with a large
ceramic elephant.
Students involve themselves in the writing of the novel by submitting
ideas through the Discover Education online forum.
The author responds to the suggestions from the students. This
interaction between author and reader in the development of a novel
demonstrates a very good use of the technology.
Schools can also engage in online chat sessions with the author by
booking time with him over the web. Alternatively they can invite him
to visit their classroom.
The Discover web site provides a link to download the software,
Microsoft Comic Chat, for the online chat segment of the project. Once
configured this program provides a secure online environment for
students to communicate with the author.
The story will continue to unfold with contributions from students
until the end of August. To take part visit the Discover web site at
http://www.discover.tased.edu.au/
billybathtub/.
Document mrcury0020020730dy7v000nc