This document discusses the role of technology in the writing process and classroom. It emphasizes that technology should enhance communication and learning, not replace the teacher or inhibit the process. It also notes technology is just a tool and should not be used for its own sake. The document provides tips for preparing the classroom community through brainstorming, transcription, and creating a technology use contract. It then describes several specific technology tools that can support growing writers, including a classroom library, reflection space, blogging platform, document sharing and editing tools, and collaboration software.

1. C
TECHNOLOGY AND THE
WRITING PROCESS
Nikki Cohron, Instructional Technologist

2. Before Using Tech, Remember…
1. Tech should enhance, not inhibit, communication and the learning process. If your tech
makes communicating more difficult or impersonal, you're not using the right tool.
2. Technology is a tool, not a teacher. You can't be replaced!
3. Never settle for a tech tool that doesn't feel right. What works for one might not work for
another, and that's okay. Be patient and open-minded when trying out new tech.
4. Never use tech for the sake of using tech. The use of good tech tools neither correlates with
nor causes good teaching.
5. On the other hand, never underestimate the power of tech in the classroom. Tech tools can
often foster engagement, encourage collaboration, and cultivate a more positive classroom
culture.

3. Preparing Your Classroom Community
1. Small Group Brainstorm with Focus Questions
2. Transcribe Community Conversation
3. Identify Trends
4. Create Contract
5. Sign and Display in a Prominent Spot
6. Revisit as Needed

4. Book Retriever
Quality writing begins with access to quality books. An organized
classroom library for which students feel ownership is essential.

5. Biblionasium
Growing writers must have a place for continual
reflection of their reading lives.

6. KidBlog
Growing writers need a place to share writing with no
pressure and receive feedback from peers.

7. Google Drive
Growing writers need an accessible place to draft, revise, and edit.
Growing teachers need a way to give timely and focused feedback.

8. Splashtop
Classroom
Growing writers benefit when the entire
writing process, not just publication, is a
social, collaborative act.
This is an early draft of one of Jared’s
fiction stories. Let’s give him some
feedback.
Possible Sentence Starters
One thing I noticed is…
Have you thought about…
It was a little unclear when… You
might consider…