Comments from Teachers in the GVWP Demo Lab at River Islands
Sharon Greene
Serving as a co-leader in the 1st-2nd grade classroom was absolutely amazing. I loved the entire experience! The other teachers worked together at a different school district, but they immediately embraced me as a colleague and made me feel welcome. We selected an outstanding book to guide our planning, and we started reading and experimenting with sample lessons in March. I was surprised to discover that I could see immediate improvements in my student’s writing simply by following some of the author’s suggestions!
Our shared experience at the two-week workshop dramatically magnified the impact of the book study. When you work alongside so many different people, you get so many ideas, and you tackle many projects that you would never do on your own. In just two weeks, we were able to deliver an exciting, action packed program that incorporated scientific explorations, scientific journaling, independent topic selection, mini-lessons about the craft of writing, iPad activities, and more... we accomplish a LOT! The benefits for the students were incredible; every student was thrilled to be involved and anxious to begin the day’s activities. The benefits for the teachers have been inestimable.
This experience has transformed my philosophy and my instructional priorities. I used to think that writing was the hardest thing to teach kids. Now I see that all kids can LOVE writing! I used to dictate the thinking and planning steps to move students through the writing process. My new goal is to teach students to think and write their own ideas, helping them to become independent writers, and then using their own writing to boost their reading skills.”
I don’t know the source of this saying, but it’s become our mantra: 'If I can think it, I can say it. If I can say it, I can write it. If I can write it, I can read it, and so can others!’
Serving as a co-leader in the 1st-2nd grade classroom was absolutely amazing. I loved the entire experience! The other teachers worked together at a different school district, but they immediately embraced me as a colleague and made me feel welcome. We selected an outstanding book to guide our planning, and we started reading and experimenting with sample lessons in March. I was surprised to discover that I could see immediate improvements in my student’s writing simply by following some of the author’s suggestions!
Our shared experience at the two-week workshop dramatically magnified the impact of the book study. When you work alongside so many different people, you get so many ideas, and you tackle many projects that you would never do on your own. In just two weeks, we were able to deliver an exciting, action packed program that incorporated scientific explorations, scientific journaling, independent topic selection, mini-lessons about the craft of writing, iPad activities, and more... we accomplish a LOT! The benefits for the students were incredible; every student was thrilled to be involved and anxious to begin the day’s activities. The benefits for the teachers have been inestimable.
This experience has transformed my philosophy and my instructional priorities. I used to think that writing was the hardest thing to teach kids. Now I see that all kids can LOVE writing! I used to dictate the thinking and planning steps to move students through the writing process. My new goal is to teach students to think and write their own ideas, helping them to become independent writers, and then using their own writing to boost their reading skills.”
I don’t know the source of this saying, but it’s become our mantra: 'If I can think it, I can say it. If I can say it, I can write it. If I can write it, I can read it, and so can others!’
Liz Covarrubias
This workshop was empowering! We dove right into using technology as a tool for teaching writing. It was exciting to see the students thoroughly engaged and on task.
I was surprised how many free apps are available for students and teachers to use to publish writing pieces. It was also a relief to see how user-friendly the programs are to use. The students were extremely motivated to use the technology and were very successful.
During the upcoming school year, I plan to incorporate more technology into my lessons. I plan to use the Voki as a wrap-up to thematic units, and the script will be interactively written with my Kinder students. The Voki is also a great option for teaching the importance of punctuation, specifically using periods. At the beginning of the year, I will be doing the audio-visual writing activity that uses the photo of “The Best Part of Me” & dictation for student introductions. I also really like the Pic Collage app. In addition, I plan to use the expanding sentences lesson with my students.
The textbook, Crafting Writers K-6 by Elizabeth Hale, is a great read – informative and useful. The quote from this book "teachers need to notice the craft of writing by reading like writers" resonated with me. I will incorporate the suggestion of using mentor text and student samples as teaching tools. The text is a good reminder to do lessons on word choice, sentence fluency, and description using the five senses. It also discusses the importance on focusing on what students are doing correctly in their writing first (before attacking errors). Students are encouraged to respond to writing by finding "golden lines" or asking pertinent questions about content.
I thoroughly enjoyed the GVWP “Crafting Young Writers” class and feel it was excellent use of my time to expand my teaching abilities!
This workshop was empowering! We dove right into using technology as a tool for teaching writing. It was exciting to see the students thoroughly engaged and on task.
I was surprised how many free apps are available for students and teachers to use to publish writing pieces. It was also a relief to see how user-friendly the programs are to use. The students were extremely motivated to use the technology and were very successful.
During the upcoming school year, I plan to incorporate more technology into my lessons. I plan to use the Voki as a wrap-up to thematic units, and the script will be interactively written with my Kinder students. The Voki is also a great option for teaching the importance of punctuation, specifically using periods. At the beginning of the year, I will be doing the audio-visual writing activity that uses the photo of “The Best Part of Me” & dictation for student introductions. I also really like the Pic Collage app. In addition, I plan to use the expanding sentences lesson with my students.
The textbook, Crafting Writers K-6 by Elizabeth Hale, is a great read – informative and useful. The quote from this book "teachers need to notice the craft of writing by reading like writers" resonated with me. I will incorporate the suggestion of using mentor text and student samples as teaching tools. The text is a good reminder to do lessons on word choice, sentence fluency, and description using the five senses. It also discusses the importance on focusing on what students are doing correctly in their writing first (before attacking errors). Students are encouraged to respond to writing by finding "golden lines" or asking pertinent questions about content.
I thoroughly enjoyed the GVWP “Crafting Young Writers” class and feel it was excellent use of my time to expand my teaching abilities!
Jamie Fannell
I really enjoyed taking this course. I loved all the technology incorporated into the lessons. With the switch to Common Core and Smarter Balance Testing, this class helped me learn ways to get technology in the classroom to help students learn to type and use technology as a learning tool. Using the technology in the classroom is such a motivating tool to get students to want to write. One thing I will be taking back to my classroom is the use of a classroom Edmodo. This tool will be a nice way to get students free writing as well as turning in assignments for peer response. Another tool I will take back to the classroom is Voki. The Voki will be a fun way for students to practice the importance of punctuation when they write. The students during the workshop realized quickly that their Voki spoke super fast when periods weren't provided. This is a fun way for students to find the importance of grammar punctuation.
This writing workshop has been an excellent tool to learn new strategies to implement technology and writing in the classroom. This course helps not only teach the strategies, but with the students here, we can see it in action!
I really enjoyed taking this course. I loved all the technology incorporated into the lessons. With the switch to Common Core and Smarter Balance Testing, this class helped me learn ways to get technology in the classroom to help students learn to type and use technology as a learning tool. Using the technology in the classroom is such a motivating tool to get students to want to write. One thing I will be taking back to my classroom is the use of a classroom Edmodo. This tool will be a nice way to get students free writing as well as turning in assignments for peer response. Another tool I will take back to the classroom is Voki. The Voki will be a fun way for students to practice the importance of punctuation when they write. The students during the workshop realized quickly that their Voki spoke super fast when periods weren't provided. This is a fun way for students to find the importance of grammar punctuation.
This writing workshop has been an excellent tool to learn new strategies to implement technology and writing in the classroom. This course helps not only teach the strategies, but with the students here, we can see it in action!
Lisa Holcombe
I attended a GVWP Demonstration Lab in the past and truly enjoyed it. I am excited to see so much technology being used in the workshop this year. The students are eager to write and thrilled to use the iPads . As a teacher I am learning new things each day that I want to use in my own classroom.
I am looking forward more Great Valley Writing Project experiences and seeing what more there is to learn!
I attended a GVWP Demonstration Lab in the past and truly enjoyed it. I am excited to see so much technology being used in the workshop this year. The students are eager to write and thrilled to use the iPads . As a teacher I am learning new things each day that I want to use in my own classroom.
I am looking forward more Great Valley Writing Project experiences and seeing what more there is to learn!
Brittany Kilpatrick
This was my first year participating in a Great Valley Writing Project workshop, and it was terrific! The teachers who run the program are skilled and passionate.
I was amazed at how many awesome techniques and tools I learned in such a short period of time. I learned creative and motivating ways to link writing with technology in the classroom. I was surprised by how easy and effective the apps were to use.
The text that accompanies the workshop was also very useful, and I intend to reference it regularly to plan writing mini-lessons in my third grade classroom. I will utilize the Word of the Day (W.O.D.), duologues, golden lines, the Zoom-In strategy, a daily Author's Chair, plus all the lessons on specific craft, of course! I cannot wait to try out these lessons and activities in my own classroom!
This was my first year participating in a Great Valley Writing Project workshop, and it was terrific! The teachers who run the program are skilled and passionate.
I was amazed at how many awesome techniques and tools I learned in such a short period of time. I learned creative and motivating ways to link writing with technology in the classroom. I was surprised by how easy and effective the apps were to use.
The text that accompanies the workshop was also very useful, and I intend to reference it regularly to plan writing mini-lessons in my third grade classroom. I will utilize the Word of the Day (W.O.D.), duologues, golden lines, the Zoom-In strategy, a daily Author's Chair, plus all the lessons on specific craft, of course! I cannot wait to try out these lessons and activities in my own classroom!
Anita Kimbrue
This writing workshop is so awesome! It was inspiring to observe the students and teachers.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how efficient and comfortable the students were with technology. My own fear of technology is subsiding, and I am excited about incorporating the strategies I have learned.
Every day presented new strategies to experience, and afterwards, the debriefing was educational. The teachers were open to suggestions and we shared many ideas. (I am excited about creating “The Best Part of Me" book with my class!)
The Crafting Writers textbook is filled with excellent strategies and examples. I will definitely share this!
This writing workshop is so awesome! It was inspiring to observe the students and teachers.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how efficient and comfortable the students were with technology. My own fear of technology is subsiding, and I am excited about incorporating the strategies I have learned.
Every day presented new strategies to experience, and afterwards, the debriefing was educational. The teachers were open to suggestions and we shared many ideas. (I am excited about creating “The Best Part of Me" book with my class!)
The Crafting Writers textbook is filled with excellent strategies and examples. I will definitely share this!
Marta Mejia
I have enjoyed coming to class everyday!
It is a different experience being on the other side of the spectrum. Watching others teachers doing an awesome job teaching writing gets me inspired, and it also helps me reflect on my own teaching. I realized that there are so many ways I can implement writing in my classroom, and with all the technology available, I know I can make it more interesting for my students.
In addition to that, I would like to say that I love how the staff is organized. They made us feel very comfortable from the first day of class.
I have enjoyed coming to class everyday!
It is a different experience being on the other side of the spectrum. Watching others teachers doing an awesome job teaching writing gets me inspired, and it also helps me reflect on my own teaching. I realized that there are so many ways I can implement writing in my classroom, and with all the technology available, I know I can make it more interesting for my students.
In addition to that, I would like to say that I love how the staff is organized. They made us feel very comfortable from the first day of class.
María Mercado
This is my first time attending a Great Valley Writing Project program, and I've enjoyed the workshop.
The GVWP Demo Lab has given me a lot of great ideas. I liked seeing how I can incorporate technology. I loved the word choice lessons and plan on using those lessons in my class. I also like the way voice was taught with different characters and duologues. Golden lines are amazing, I can't wait to use them.
I will definitely recommend the text and the workshop to my colleagues. I plan on sharing the strategies from the text with my grade level.
This is my first time attending a Great Valley Writing Project program, and I've enjoyed the workshop.
The GVWP Demo Lab has given me a lot of great ideas. I liked seeing how I can incorporate technology. I loved the word choice lessons and plan on using those lessons in my class. I also like the way voice was taught with different characters and duologues. Golden lines are amazing, I can't wait to use them.
I will definitely recommend the text and the workshop to my colleagues. I plan on sharing the strategies from the text with my grade level.
Candelaria Scanlon
Last year, I attended the GVWP Demonstration Lab in Ripon.
I'm glad that GVWP workshop programs are coming to the Tracy area!
Seeing this group of students delve fearlessly into the writing assignments using technology was truly inspiring. I can't wait to use these strategies with my third graders...
Thank you!
Last year, I attended the GVWP Demonstration Lab in Ripon.
I'm glad that GVWP workshop programs are coming to the Tracy area!
Seeing this group of students delve fearlessly into the writing assignments using technology was truly inspiring. I can't wait to use these strategies with my third graders...
Thank you!
Tonya Shuford
I looked forward to each day at the Demo Lab, because I learned new writing strategies to incorporate in my classroom next year. Having the ability to practice the new strategies with students was wonderful.
I was surprised at how proficient the third and fourth grade students were with implementing technology with their writing. The use of technology made it so much easier to give feedback to the students and it motivated the students to write more. I also love how technology makes publishing student work quick and easy. I can't wait to use technology with my own students' writing projects. I just wish that MY students all had access to an iPad on a daily basis!
The modeling of writing craft lessons for the six traits of writing was the most beneficial for me. I want to incorporate every one of the writing craft lessons that I observed throughout the school year. I am so excited about being a more powerful writing teacher. I will definitely recommend this workshop to all my colleagues. Thank you for such an enlightening experience!
I looked forward to each day at the Demo Lab, because I learned new writing strategies to incorporate in my classroom next year. Having the ability to practice the new strategies with students was wonderful.
I was surprised at how proficient the third and fourth grade students were with implementing technology with their writing. The use of technology made it so much easier to give feedback to the students and it motivated the students to write more. I also love how technology makes publishing student work quick and easy. I can't wait to use technology with my own students' writing projects. I just wish that MY students all had access to an iPad on a daily basis!
The modeling of writing craft lessons for the six traits of writing was the most beneficial for me. I want to incorporate every one of the writing craft lessons that I observed throughout the school year. I am so excited about being a more powerful writing teacher. I will definitely recommend this workshop to all my colleagues. Thank you for such an enlightening experience!
Jennie Silveira
The GVWP Demonstration Lab has been a great experience and has fueled me with knowledge and tools to better my teaching.
This was my first year attending a Great Valley Writing Project class, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It has provided me with tools to improve student achievement by improving my teaching of writing. Our daily exercises helped us practice, improve, gain confidence, and discover new ideas.
I was amazed with the use of technology and how well the students responded to it. Incorporating technology into writing served as a motivator for the students and an effective and convenient tool for the teachers. I am looking forward to sharing my new found knowledge with my kiddos, especially "The Best Part of Me," Voki, and Edmodo.
I strongly recommend GVWP workshops to educators and students alike. It has been such an enriching experience, and I am looking forward to attending next year!
The GVWP Demonstration Lab has been a great experience and has fueled me with knowledge and tools to better my teaching.
This was my first year attending a Great Valley Writing Project class, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It has provided me with tools to improve student achievement by improving my teaching of writing. Our daily exercises helped us practice, improve, gain confidence, and discover new ideas.
I was amazed with the use of technology and how well the students responded to it. Incorporating technology into writing served as a motivator for the students and an effective and convenient tool for the teachers. I am looking forward to sharing my new found knowledge with my kiddos, especially "The Best Part of Me," Voki, and Edmodo.
I strongly recommend GVWP workshops to educators and students alike. It has been such an enriching experience, and I am looking forward to attending next year!
Jill Waters
The GVWP Demonstration Lab gives me the opportunity to try out new things that I wouldn't otherwise have the time or resources to do. I am able to develop new technology skills and collaborate with other teachers, and I can take those new skills and instructional strategies back to my classroom.
This is key for teachers – acquiring skills and collaborating with colleagues – it makes me want to do this every year!
The GVWP Demonstration Lab gives me the opportunity to try out new things that I wouldn't otherwise have the time or resources to do. I am able to develop new technology skills and collaborate with other teachers, and I can take those new skills and instructional strategies back to my classroom.
This is key for teachers – acquiring skills and collaborating with colleagues – it makes me want to do this every year!
Tip Duangsawat
I enjoyed all of the lessons. I will definitely incorporate jigsawing, reading a visual image (especially with literature), POV annotation, and carousel reading. I would love to be able to use all of the technology pieces that I've learned from GVWP. I learned that I don't have to use long video pieces, GVWP validated the use of shorter video clips to launch writing.
I liked the demonstrations, because I could easily tailor the lessons during presentations. And all of the students were engaged during these lessons. The lessons were challenging, and they were all motivated to complete the tasks at hand. All of the lessons I've mentioned incorporated CCSS quite nicely as well.
As a high school teacher, I'm used to working with young adults. Having to work with students as young as Grade 5 during the Lab often felt like herding cats. Once I got over my shock, I made the connection that the various grade levels in the Demo Lab was no different than my SDAIE classes or the disparity of academic language and skills amongst students in my general education English classes. Knowing that my audience was so diverse forced me to look for ways to be more engaging during my lesson of Paired Reading.
Being in the Demo Lab was fun, too — Sometimes my high schoolers become jaded during the school year. All of the younger students in Lab 5-12 were enthusiastic, and that was infectious. I enjoyed the energy and spirit of the group and hope that I can experience that again.
I wasn't prepared to demo a lesson myself, so that caught me by surprise. I thought my nerves would get the best of me because of all of my colleagues in the room. But I didn't feel like I was under the spotlight. It almost felt as if the entire group was giving the demo with me and the rest of us were trying to troubleshoot and amend the various lessons for our own classrooms.
There's a lot to take away from the text. And there is plenty of opportunity to extend these lessons as well.
I would definitely recommend the text and the course.
I enjoyed all of the lessons. I will definitely incorporate jigsawing, reading a visual image (especially with literature), POV annotation, and carousel reading. I would love to be able to use all of the technology pieces that I've learned from GVWP. I learned that I don't have to use long video pieces, GVWP validated the use of shorter video clips to launch writing.
I liked the demonstrations, because I could easily tailor the lessons during presentations. And all of the students were engaged during these lessons. The lessons were challenging, and they were all motivated to complete the tasks at hand. All of the lessons I've mentioned incorporated CCSS quite nicely as well.
As a high school teacher, I'm used to working with young adults. Having to work with students as young as Grade 5 during the Lab often felt like herding cats. Once I got over my shock, I made the connection that the various grade levels in the Demo Lab was no different than my SDAIE classes or the disparity of academic language and skills amongst students in my general education English classes. Knowing that my audience was so diverse forced me to look for ways to be more engaging during my lesson of Paired Reading.
Being in the Demo Lab was fun, too — Sometimes my high schoolers become jaded during the school year. All of the younger students in Lab 5-12 were enthusiastic, and that was infectious. I enjoyed the energy and spirit of the group and hope that I can experience that again.
I wasn't prepared to demo a lesson myself, so that caught me by surprise. I thought my nerves would get the best of me because of all of my colleagues in the room. But I didn't feel like I was under the spotlight. It almost felt as if the entire group was giving the demo with me and the rest of us were trying to troubleshoot and amend the various lessons for our own classrooms.
There's a lot to take away from the text. And there is plenty of opportunity to extend these lessons as well.
I would definitely recommend the text and the course.
Dana Dutcher
What a wonderful experience the GVWP Demo Lab has been this year. The opportunity to actually implement the strategies and technology with students in 'real' time is invaluable. I could not choose a single strategy to use in my 5th grade classroom this next school year, because I plan to use them all!
I would highly recommend this course to new and veteran teachers alike. The teachers in charge are master teachers with friendly, welcoming, and even entertaining personalities. The students turned out to be the same mix of students you will find in your own classroom. There were plenty of students who already loved to write and just needed some guidance on how to improve their writing, as well as plenty of students who struggled with the basics of writing and really would rather not engage. Even the most challenging student improved his/her writing and made a change in the direction toward liking writing. I plan to continue my professional development through the GVWP next year and I hope to bring along many of my coworkers. Thank you to those who made this program possible and continue to make it available to teachers like me.
What a wonderful experience the GVWP Demo Lab has been this year. The opportunity to actually implement the strategies and technology with students in 'real' time is invaluable. I could not choose a single strategy to use in my 5th grade classroom this next school year, because I plan to use them all!
I would highly recommend this course to new and veteran teachers alike. The teachers in charge are master teachers with friendly, welcoming, and even entertaining personalities. The students turned out to be the same mix of students you will find in your own classroom. There were plenty of students who already loved to write and just needed some guidance on how to improve their writing, as well as plenty of students who struggled with the basics of writing and really would rather not engage. Even the most challenging student improved his/her writing and made a change in the direction toward liking writing. I plan to continue my professional development through the GVWP next year and I hope to bring along many of my coworkers. Thank you to those who made this program possible and continue to make it available to teachers like me.
Katy Knight
I was prepared to walk into this workshop ready to simply be a spectator, but GVWP really puts instructors front and center in order to encourage them to take risks in the profession. Learning with Google Apps gave me the opportunities to explore, to create, and to supplement my own instruction with meaningful tools my students are able to use. I LOVED the lesson on Point of View Annotation. Teaching students to write from various perspectives is an engaging practice that will encourage students to be more empathetic thinkers and writers. I also enjoyed each of the lessons that encouraged students to move away from their seat in order to engage others in conversation. Carousel Brainstorming and Quotations Mingle are accessible strategies that give students opportunities to invest and contribute. I can't wait to try these lessons with my students.
This workshop will assist instructors from every discipline as they design instruction that is conducive to the expectations of the Common Core. The text provided for the course is a fantastic support in this endeavor as it provides strategies (with extensions/modifications for every learner) as well as text sets to initiate meaningful discussions and compositions from students.
Overall, I appreciated the support and insight I received from each of the GVWP Teacher Consultants. Their energy and experience helped me make a variety of important adjustments to my own pedagogy.
I was prepared to walk into this workshop ready to simply be a spectator, but GVWP really puts instructors front and center in order to encourage them to take risks in the profession. Learning with Google Apps gave me the opportunities to explore, to create, and to supplement my own instruction with meaningful tools my students are able to use. I LOVED the lesson on Point of View Annotation. Teaching students to write from various perspectives is an engaging practice that will encourage students to be more empathetic thinkers and writers. I also enjoyed each of the lessons that encouraged students to move away from their seat in order to engage others in conversation. Carousel Brainstorming and Quotations Mingle are accessible strategies that give students opportunities to invest and contribute. I can't wait to try these lessons with my students.
This workshop will assist instructors from every discipline as they design instruction that is conducive to the expectations of the Common Core. The text provided for the course is a fantastic support in this endeavor as it provides strategies (with extensions/modifications for every learner) as well as text sets to initiate meaningful discussions and compositions from students.
Overall, I appreciated the support and insight I received from each of the GVWP Teacher Consultants. Their energy and experience helped me make a variety of important adjustments to my own pedagogy.
Gloria Martinez
The GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop was amazing. As a participating teacher, I was surprised how much information I was able to obtain in two weeks. The information I learned has given me great ideas to use in my classroom. I enjoyed preparing and teaching a lesson. I think I will try to apply all the lessons. They were all amazing.
I have always been a teacher who likes to be in control. This next year I play to have my students be in control. I want them to "own" their writing and become great writers.
I would definitely would recommend this workshop to all teachers. I can’t wait to plan and practice all that I have learned. I plan to attend next year!
The GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop was amazing. As a participating teacher, I was surprised how much information I was able to obtain in two weeks. The information I learned has given me great ideas to use in my classroom. I enjoyed preparing and teaching a lesson. I think I will try to apply all the lessons. They were all amazing.
I have always been a teacher who likes to be in control. This next year I play to have my students be in control. I want them to "own" their writing and become great writers.
I would definitely would recommend this workshop to all teachers. I can’t wait to plan and practice all that I have learned. I plan to attend next year!
Ivette Ramos
I really enjoyed taking this two-week GVWP course. I was surprised at having to plan out a lesson and teach one of the strategies that we were reading about. I really enjoyed planning, though, because I was able to experience teaching it to students and see what may have worked and what could improve for following years.
I will take a lot of the wonderful technology and strategies that were taught in this course. Some strategies I really enjoyed observing were Text Annotation, Reading a Visual Image, Carousel Brainstorming, and Jigsaw. The students were engaged at all times and were eager to learn with the wonderful strategies and the very interesting topics to read and write about. Word of the Day was a great strategy to get the students to write each and every day. Using Google Docs has been great for me to experience, because this is something I can see my students using next year. Students can actively engage with each other when writing and correcting.
This is a course I would recommend other teachers who are eager and ready to learn strategies and computer techniques that better engage students when writing.
I really enjoyed taking this two-week GVWP course. I was surprised at having to plan out a lesson and teach one of the strategies that we were reading about. I really enjoyed planning, though, because I was able to experience teaching it to students and see what may have worked and what could improve for following years.
I will take a lot of the wonderful technology and strategies that were taught in this course. Some strategies I really enjoyed observing were Text Annotation, Reading a Visual Image, Carousel Brainstorming, and Jigsaw. The students were engaged at all times and were eager to learn with the wonderful strategies and the very interesting topics to read and write about. Word of the Day was a great strategy to get the students to write each and every day. Using Google Docs has been great for me to experience, because this is something I can see my students using next year. Students can actively engage with each other when writing and correcting.
This is a course I would recommend other teachers who are eager and ready to learn strategies and computer techniques that better engage students when writing.
Ana Van Allen
Although the GVWP Demo Lab was different from what I expected, in retrospect, it was exactly what I needed. Incorporating technology into writing is a great way to motivate students to write and revise. Students learned quickly and were willing to write more when all they had to do was erase and change to improve their pieces. Because they were also able to include images, their pieces looked polished. I will use the textbook to review the different strategies and, because each strategy already comes with an article, I can concentrate on implementing the strategies and not on searching and evaluating different articles. I learned how to use the Chromebooks and how to publish student pieces. I would definitely recommend this class to other teachers in my school district. I look forward to attending other GVWP classes in the future.
Although the GVWP Demo Lab was different from what I expected, in retrospect, it was exactly what I needed. Incorporating technology into writing is a great way to motivate students to write and revise. Students learned quickly and were willing to write more when all they had to do was erase and change to improve their pieces. Because they were also able to include images, their pieces looked polished. I will use the textbook to review the different strategies and, because each strategy already comes with an article, I can concentrate on implementing the strategies and not on searching and evaluating different articles. I learned how to use the Chromebooks and how to publish student pieces. I would definitely recommend this class to other teachers in my school district. I look forward to attending other GVWP classes in the future.
Gabe Villanueva
The writing process just became more efficient and fruitful for our youth and teachers. The 2014 GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop presented students with up-to-date educational tools and applications to help with the writing process. The workshop also presented teachers with strategies and tools to help monitor the writing process, presenting feedback in an interactive and convenient way.
Using Google and their cloud-based applications opened my eyes to better understand how children are seeking and presenting information. With a clearer understanding of today's child, I will be adjusting some of my classroom and instructional deliveries by integrating Google and some of the other strategies presented during the course.
I am amazed at how well most of the students responded and how fluently they operated within the technological demands. By the second week, students were creating, opening, and revising documents and folders and progress was very quick.
Thank you GVWP staff!
The writing process just became more efficient and fruitful for our youth and teachers. The 2014 GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop presented students with up-to-date educational tools and applications to help with the writing process. The workshop also presented teachers with strategies and tools to help monitor the writing process, presenting feedback in an interactive and convenient way.
Using Google and their cloud-based applications opened my eyes to better understand how children are seeking and presenting information. With a clearer understanding of today's child, I will be adjusting some of my classroom and instructional deliveries by integrating Google and some of the other strategies presented during the course.
I am amazed at how well most of the students responded and how fluently they operated within the technological demands. By the second week, students were creating, opening, and revising documents and folders and progress was very quick.
Thank you GVWP staff!