Course Description: This course is designed to be a collaborative effort to explore writing as a process, not just a product, and to discover how writing across the curriculum can enhance each discipline within our schools. The on-line format will allow us to consider the use of blogs, Google Docs, and current technologies that can be incorporated into our classrooms on a daily basis. The design and implementation of writing strategies across the curriculum will be explored as a dynamic learning tool for students of all grades. Be prepared for a high level of on-line interactions as we engage in the writing process.
Course Objectives:
· To read about and explore key theories of using a workshop approach to teaching writing;
· To determine what writing methods will be most successful for a diverse classroom with a range of reading and writing abilities;
· To evaluate and modify the existing system of writing instruction in your school;
· To write, grow as writers, and share our own writing and our ideas about the teaching of composition;
· To gain exposure to and practice with current writing technologies and discuss how these technologies impact the writing process and product;
· To read about current writing evaluation methods and develop rubrics for our own classes.
Required Texts:
- Daniels, H., Zemelman, S., Steineke, N. (2007). Content-Area Writing: Every Teacher’s Guide. Heinemann.
- Spandel, Vicki. (2012; 6th edition). Creating Writers: 6 Traits, Process, Workshop, and Literature. Pearson Publishing.
Recommended Texts:
- Macrorie, K., (1988). The I-Search Paper: Revised Edition of Searching Writing. Heineman.
- McCracken, R. & McCracken, M. (2002). Stories, Songs & Poetry to Teach Reading and Writing. Peguis Publishers Limited.
Here is what you will need for Reading@Curry Online Classes:
Browser recommendations:
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Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari are supported browsers for UVaCollab.
- Firefox 4 and Internet Explorer 9 are not yet supported browsers for UVaCollab.
- Firefox 4 users may need to disable all add-ons to overcome problems or revert to a previous version.
- Internet Explorer 9 users will need to revert back to Internet Explorer 8.
System requirements:
- Cookies and javascript must be enabled in your browser in order to log into and use features in UVaCollab.
- Browsers on some public computers may block pop-ups, thus preventing you from logging in to UVaCollab. Click on the pop-up notice link that appears in your browser and select the option to allow pop-ups from this site to continue.
Plug Ins for Browsers: Your course requires the Adobe Acrobat plug-in. You may download this plug-in at no extra cost by visiting the Adobe Acrobat website.
Printing Time: When downloading and printing articles from the website, users on a network typically have a minimal wait-time. When working from home, you will find that printing will take longer and, if you have an old printer, your wait-time may be excessive. You will experience the shortest wait-time when using a new computer and printer.
Student Requirements:
- UVA E-mail account. You will be assigned a UVA email account upon registration and payment of fees
- Internet Connection (High-speed internet works best.)
- Microsoft Office Word 96 or higher (All assignments and tests must be sent in this format.)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
