For both Lord of the Flies and The Maze Runner, I created activities to go along with each one of the scenarios that will require students to discuss the text and work with classmates to complete tasks related to both the novel and the challenge presented in the scenario. The online tools I selected to use with each scenario are fairly simple to use, require no sign-in (with the exception of Piktochart, which is free), and lend themselves to creative text-based responses based on students' reading and understanding of the text. The English teacher in me just can't emphasize enough the number of opportunities I believe students need to think critically and demonstrate their understanding via the written word.
The diffitool I will create for the #SurvivalCraft experience is a step-by-step "how to" guide for each of the tools recommended in my infographics. While the tools are free and fairly intuitive, they are a bit clunky...so clear and concise tutorials will assist both teachers and students in using the tools. I will create the tutorials in Google Drive and share to the Google+ community. Teachers may then share out with students via their own classroom webpages or public link. Students will be invited to share their products via a public Padlet for all participating classrooms to use, allowing all of the students to showcase and share their work...and to celebrate with and learn from each other. Honestly, I have no idea if these tools will make a difference or not; I do hope that students who struggle with Minecraft (like I do!) or who prefer another access point to participate in the project will appreciate these alternative methods for engaging with both the text and the scenarios. In addition, I hope teachers who wish to continuously build a text-based focus into their LOTF and Maze Runner instruction will enjoy a different approach to helping students think about the text. |
- Brainy Box Animated Cube: http://www.classtools.net/brainybox/
- Dashner, J. (2010). The Maze Runner. Random House: New York, NY.
- Fake Phone Text Generator: http://www.fakephonetext.com/
- Fakebook. http://www.classtools.net/FB/home-page
- Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the Flies. Faber & Faber: London.
- QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator: http://www.classtools.net/QR/
- Piktochart: http://piktochart.com/
- "Twister" Fake Tweet Generator: http://www.classtools.net/twister/