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February 15, 2003
Writing With Web Logs (cont'd)
Digital Writing Tools
By Roxanne Schneider
Additional software and Web-based programs for the language arts classroom.
Working off a school network to facilitate the electronic exchange of student work, Scribblebug creates an online writing environment for kids in grades 2-6. Using a series of prompts, Scribblebug guides young writers through stages of the writing process, including self-assessment and revision. Teachers can also integrate checklists and rubrics into student assignments, while building student portfolios. Polyester; (514) 907-5300
Journal Zone is designed to provide students with a secure online environment where they can reflect on and receive feedback on their writing and multimedia presentations. Paint and animation tools let visual writers illustrate their work, while journal visitors can offer commentary using discussion tools. LCSI; (800) 321-5646
Four different volumes of The Writing Trek offer grade-level activities for grades 2-10. Offering a variety of writing samples from the classics to contemporary screenplays, the program is designed to inspire student experimentation with writing genres, such as journalism, poetry, sports reporting, and historical fiction. Project-based multimedia lessons also include training in mechanics, vocabulary development, and spelling. Riverdeep; (800) 723-6322
The MY Access! system uses Vantage Learning's IntelliMetric technology to power its online essay scoring engines. The program also lets students maintain digital writing portfolios while providing teachers with tools to monitor their progress. Vantage Learning; (215) 579-8390
CD-me organizes written and creative work into a digital portfolio using templates made for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and FrontPage. Step-by-step tutorials guide students and teachers as they prepare presentation materials. Digfolio; (661) 325-5882
Similar to MY Access!, Criterion delivers online writing assessment in a self-paced environment. Students access assignments, compose responses online, and then receive immediate critical feedback on grammar, mechanics, style, organization, and development. Teachers may choose from 108 prewritten assignments or set up their own. ETS Technologies; (800) 798-3149
Roxanne Schneider is a school technology consultant for Sun Associates in Amherst, Mass.
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