Jefferson Scribes Write Online
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
Online discussion boards are used by various groups, such as gaming enthusiasts, to share ideas and thoughts about issues. Carter created an online discussion board for his students to post their writings. Classmates then can read each other's work and give constructive criticism of the writing. Carter said it helps students, especially the weaker writers, make basic writing improvements.[[In-content Ad]]A majority of the postings and work on the discussion board is completed at home. "They're interacting with one another on the Internet," said Carter. Students may do a little of the writing in the classroom, but do the bulk of it away from school.
Access to the discussion board is limited. Carter said it is safe and secure so only students, teachers and interested parents can look at the material. Seventy-four people currently have access, including eight sets of parents, 40 sixth-graders, about eight fourth-graders and some of Carter's former students. Next year, Carter said that number will grow when he gets new students in.
The fourth-graders got involved after Carter talked to their teachers at Jefferson. Only a few were chosen who were strong writers, could handle writing criticism and grow from it.
The discussion board was started in March, and Carter said there are 5,000 postings.
Students post fictional and non-fiction writings, as well as poetry. One section allows students to add to another student's story and build it from there.
"They do a good job with it, it meshes," said Carter.
"Their writing is a lot better on here," said Carter of the discussion board postings compared to writings in the classroom. "It's the technology aspect, it pushes them to the next level."
Students are not allowed to use creative short cuts - such as "LOL" for "laughing out loud" - on the discussion board. The goal is for students to improve their writing, communication and critique of others.
Though there are some limitations to the discussion board, there also is a lot that can be done with it.
"It's realistic that the whole school corporation could use it," said Carter. Other teachers have expressed an interest in it to him, he said.
Carter also uses the discussion board for grammar lessons in class.
The limitations are due to students who may not have regular access to a computer at home, and safety and security. Because not every student has regular access to the Internet, the discussion board is extracurricular.
Students can access the discussion board from the public computers at the Warsaw Community Public Library.
Next school year, Carter said there are plans to give students time to make use of the discussion board during recess or lunch time.
"I have some kids on this for a significant amount of time" at home, said Carter.
"It's just amazing how the kids have taken to this," said Dennis Duncan, Jefferson principal.
Online discussion boards are used by various groups, such as gaming enthusiasts, to share ideas and thoughts about issues. Carter created an online discussion board for his students to post their writings. Classmates then can read each other's work and give constructive criticism of the writing. Carter said it helps students, especially the weaker writers, make basic writing improvements.[[In-content Ad]]A majority of the postings and work on the discussion board is completed at home. "They're interacting with one another on the Internet," said Carter. Students may do a little of the writing in the classroom, but do the bulk of it away from school.
Access to the discussion board is limited. Carter said it is safe and secure so only students, teachers and interested parents can look at the material. Seventy-four people currently have access, including eight sets of parents, 40 sixth-graders, about eight fourth-graders and some of Carter's former students. Next year, Carter said that number will grow when he gets new students in.
The fourth-graders got involved after Carter talked to their teachers at Jefferson. Only a few were chosen who were strong writers, could handle writing criticism and grow from it.
The discussion board was started in March, and Carter said there are 5,000 postings.
Students post fictional and non-fiction writings, as well as poetry. One section allows students to add to another student's story and build it from there.
"They do a good job with it, it meshes," said Carter.
"Their writing is a lot better on here," said Carter of the discussion board postings compared to writings in the classroom. "It's the technology aspect, it pushes them to the next level."
Students are not allowed to use creative short cuts - such as "LOL" for "laughing out loud" - on the discussion board. The goal is for students to improve their writing, communication and critique of others.
Though there are some limitations to the discussion board, there also is a lot that can be done with it.
"It's realistic that the whole school corporation could use it," said Carter. Other teachers have expressed an interest in it to him, he said.
Carter also uses the discussion board for grammar lessons in class.
The limitations are due to students who may not have regular access to a computer at home, and safety and security. Because not every student has regular access to the Internet, the discussion board is extracurricular.
Students can access the discussion board from the public computers at the Warsaw Community Public Library.
Next school year, Carter said there are plans to give students time to make use of the discussion board during recess or lunch time.
"I have some kids on this for a significant amount of time" at home, said Carter.
"It's just amazing how the kids have taken to this," said Dennis Duncan, Jefferson principal.
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