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"I've been teaching students how to write for 12 years, but this week I had a realization that made me question the purpose of writing in school." Catlin Tucker brings up some important points to consider in the writing process and her own process as a teacher.

"Poetica is a neat new service for collaborative editing of documents. The best feature of Poetica is its similarity to writing on a paper document. While reading a document you can click on any word or space between words to insert a line drawn to the margin where you write your comment. Clicking on a word or space also allows you to simply insert a suggested word above the line. If you want to suggest a change for an entire sentence you can highlight it and insert a drawn line to the margins where you can write your suggestions. Your suggestions are written in blue while your corrections are written in red." Supports imports of .docs, .pdfs, .rtf files.- definitely want to use this as a tool with Chromebooks

College writing/literature instructor shares how he uses Google Docs to teach writing.

"Inklewriter is a free tool designed to allow anyone to write and publish interactive stories. It's perfect for writers who want to try out interactivity, but also for teachers and students looking to mix computer skills and creative writing."

A really well written post on some things we should consider about blogging. She based her post on her own experience with blogging and the work of Sue Waters, a professional educ. blogger and trainer for Edublogs. Here are some questions she asks: Who should be writing for? What is the benefit? Is it important to read others work and comment? I think if you read this post, you will be encouraged. 

Linda Yollis, an award-winning 3rd grade teacher, made this video with her students to share how they have used blogs to learn the importance of connecting online with others online, about Digital Footprints and Internet safety, and sharing their voice. I think you'll enjoy it and hopefully think about the ways you encourage students to make their writing/learning visible and connect with others, whether it be a blog or an interactive online discussion. 

"Finland's Pasi Sahlberg is one of the world's leading experts on school reform and the author of the best-selling "Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn About Educational Change in Finland?" In this piece he writes about whether the emphasis that American school reformers put on "teacher effectiveness" is really the best approach to improving student achievement." This article brings forth some challenges to some of the things we assume in the U.S. that make for success in our schools. With the CCSS, this discussion becomes even more relevant.

Learn how to build websites using html & CSS, the building blocks of the Internet. Also, here is instruction in writing Java script, PHP, API's, etc. There is s growing movement to teach students how to create using code.

The Read & Write for Google Docs extension would be great for ELLs. You could even screen record it with highlights to support learning.

Thomas Guskey, noted researcher/writer on grading/grade reporting, uploaded his presentation and some of his writing for a conference. Great topic for us to review as we look at the role of grading/grade reporting in teaching/learning and the CCSS.

Especially with the CCSS, teachers/admin. need to take a look at how grading reflects assessment practices. What do the grades you give really REFLECT about what students CAN DO and know? The table comes from the work of Tom Guskey, a college professor who has done extensive research and writing on grading. (see http://goo.gl/DAHyH)

Selection of styluses for iPads to choose from to make writing easier on the iPad.

Meet reading standards using this site and engage students with current events. Includes the ability to adjust reading level and assessing students comprehension with writing and multiple choices quizzes. Great resource.

Here are some good tips on how to streamline the information you face on the Internet, email, etc. Like Jodie, I'm working to implement the GTD organizational system using Evernote & Web Clipper, Diigo, Google Mail, Google Reader, Twitter, Google Drive, etc. 

Why do we learn online?

39 Instructional videos on K-8 pathways to the CC Standards. What do you think of the approach these teachers are taking? How can they help you in your transition to the CCore? Some practices here are applicable to high school, as well. 

"Can computers really grade essay tests? The National Council of Teachers of English say "no," even if there is new software that says "yes."" Read the pros and cons in this article and judge for yourself. Can software do an ADEQUATE job of grading essays?

Mrs. Yollis, 3rd grade teacher is an award-winning blogger. She has her students blogging and has taught them some keys to leaving quality comments on posts in a simple, fun way. Check it out! I loved it.