Chapter 1: Imagining a Digital Writing Workshop

Chapter Summary:

     A digital workshop still relies on the same set of principles that we use today, “teach the writer, not the writing” (p. 1).  The core principles are: student choice of the topic, active revision (between teacher and student), using lessons to craft the writer, publication beyond the classroom walls and a broad vision of the end product including process and product (p. 1-2).  The goal of the digital workshop is to incorporate the core principles of a writing workshop with technology.  One argument with digital workshops is there needs to be a national technology and writing policy that includes software and professional development for teachers.  We as teachers need to teach writing with what is consistent with the current model of writing that also integrates newer literacy’s and technologies.

Making Connections

     I think it is very important to use a digital workshop in the classroom.  It helps students learn the subject matter they are studying in a way they are able to relate with.  In order to do this we need to use new and initiative technologies.  Using google docs to share documents between students is a great and easy way to integrate a technology.  I have seen students working on a power point assignment in google docs, making it easy to complete a power point.  One student can be working on one slide while another student is working on another part of the presentation.

Classroom Implications

     We could use the digital workshop in many different ways.  Having students use Wikipedia as a source, or even writing in Wikipedia, posting assignments and students work on a closed course website, using a blog for student and parents to see are some of the ways that you could use a digital workshop in your classroom.  We could also integrate blogs, wikis, social networks, podcasts or digital stories into the classroom.