Colaborative+Writing

__ Collaborative Writing: 21st century learners (group project) __ We live in a digital world. Students today are described as “digital natives.” For this activity, we will explore the social and societal side of technology and how it impacts our role as teachers. Each group will be assigned one of the listed topics to research. Each group will prepare **a fifteen-minute lesson** to educate the class on their assigned topic. Groups are also responsible for creating a //relevant// artifact to share with the class.

Topics-
 * Texting 101 – How do kids communicate?
 * Facebook/Twitter Nation – Do we share too much?
 * Cyber bullying
 * Managing and protecting digital identities
 * The YouTube Generation
 * Digital cheating or just the “Age of Google”?
 * How to parent in the digital age
 * Smart phones: There’s an app for that

Group Roles: In order to create a well-functioning collaborative group, each group member will assume a role.
 * Group moderator – pose questions, ask for clarification, keep the conversation going and focused
 * Thematic finder – look for themes in the discussion, publish the themes, refine the themes
 * Citation guru – seek clarification, ask for proof, decide where citations are needed, help locate sources when necessary
 * Editor – establish a timeline for completion of the “group artifact”, use themes to develop a writing/creation plan, communicate and execute a direction/vision for the “group artifact”
 * Publisher – Use your tech skills to manage the production of the artifact.

Lesson: Each group will be required to plan and teach a fifteen minute lesson on their given topic. Do **not** approach the assignment as a class presentation but as a lesson. After researching the topic, consider the best way to instruct, engage and involve the class so that they walk away with a better understanding of the subject. Be creative. **(This is NOT a presentation.)**

Artifact: For this assignment, your group will educate the rest of the class about your assigned topic. To assist with this goal, your group will create an “artifact” to share with the class. The “artifact” can take any form as long as it effectively educates the class. Possible products may include BUT are NOT limited to: website, handout, bulletin board, poster, movie, Xtranormal, podcast, etc.

Lesson Rubric: 70% Grade **This is an academic assignment. For every claim you make – you need research/data to back it up! Do not say, “I read some place.” Instead say, “according to a 2011 study by the National Council of …”** ||  || There should be NO evidence of a “divide and conquer” approach to this lesson. This must be a cohesive lesson where all members work together. ||  ||
 * Lesson engages class and promotes participation. It extends learning beyond common knowledge. ||  ||
 * Lesson includes current and accurate information that is based on research to enhance understanding of the topic.
 * Lesson uses fifteen-minute timeframe effectively and appropriately. ||  ||
 * Group pre-planning and collaboration is evident (lesson set-up and delivery).

Artifact Rubric: 30%
 * Artifact is well researched, accurate and appropriate to the topic, ||  ||
 * Artifact enhances understanding of the topic and extends learning beyond common knowledge. (The audience MUST learn something new.) ||  ||
 * Artifact is of high quality and thoughtfully constructed. ||  ||

POST YOUR ARTIFACT LINKS HERE:


 * Smartphones: There's an App for That – ** @http://smartphoned.weebly.com/ **