E-Mail and Internet Projects

There are numerous ways that the use of computers in the classroom can aid in the teaching of writing. Probably the most important aspect involves motivation; children love to work on computers! Research has shown that the use of multimedia tools does support literacy! ("Writing and Communication Techniques", Collete Daiute)

I envision students using e-mail in a recent interpretation of the "pen pal" concept (like epals). However, rather than waiting for two or three weeks for a reply, the student can expect almost immediate feedback. Also, e-mails can be used to communicate from the child to the parent. Students can "journal" in an e-mail what upcoming events need to be noted, what supplies are needed, and what concepts they are currently learning in the classroom. The students are motivated to use good writing skills and revision skills because they are writing with a real purpose and for a real audience. I appreciated the idea in "You've Got Mail" that asks students to write an e-mail to a senator or congressman to give their opinion on an issue. Children need to learn to be active in the political process.

Internet projects such as the online magazine mentioned in the reading also fosters the learning of writing skills. I love this concept of an "online magazine" because with the use of graphics and photography (including software programs), students literally can make their stories "come to life". (Note: As stated in another post, the AmazingKids e-zine is one of my favorite!) Students are encouraged to do their best writing because they know that they are writing about something important to them, they are writing with a real purpose in mind (not just to fill a journal), and they are writing to a real audience.