Eighth-grade writers and meaning-making: a study of computer-mediated conferencing and publishing

Abstract

Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION 1 Middle Level Learners 4 Constractivist Theory 10 Relationship among experience, knowledge, and social interaction Relationship between constructivism and improving writing skills 14 Computers in Teaching Writing Facilitating computer-enhanced learning in the classroom Effects of computers on collaborative vmting Effects of distant audiences for writing Advantages of multimedia composing Advantages of collaborative conferencing Internet-based educational telecomputing activities Implementing technology solutions in the classroom Methodology Practitioner research 31 The research scene Data collection and analysis Conclusion iv CHAPTER n. CREATIVE WRITING CLASS APPLICATIONS Constructivism and the Teacher as Facilitator 39 Background of the Creative Writing Class Description of the class Methodology Description and analysis of computer technologies and their uses Collaboration in writing instruction and the apprenticeship model of instruction Description of Creative Writing Class Activities 5 The autobiographical introduction Significant event essay Profile essay Conclusion 75 CHAPTER nr. ONLINE JOURNALISM CLASS APPLICATIONS 79 How Do We Get There from Here? Reflecting on Reflection to Improve Teaching SO Background of the Online Journalism Class 84 Methodology 86 Teaching technology for online publication 93 Apprenticeship model of instruction 94 Description of Online JoumaUsm Class Activities 97 Basic journalism and desktop computing 100 Photography composition and digital camera skills 104 V Online web site and newspaper publication 107 Conclusion 111 CHAPTER IV. LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS APPLICATIONS Constructivist Theory and the Middle School Student as Classroom Leader 117 Background of the Language Arts Class 121 Methodology 123 Description and analysis of computer technologies and their uses Collaboration in writing improvement Description of Language Arts Class Activities Robert Frost poetry explications on PowerPoint Elements of the short story PowerPoint presentations World War II proj ects on HyperStudio "Visit Another Country" HyperStudio presentations Conclusion CHAPTER V. CONCLUSIONS Major Conclusions 162 Facilitating a constructivist learning environment Implementmg the apprenticeship model of instruction Using technologies for broadening audiences ImpHcations Recommendations for Further Research 180