As a High School English Teacher, the students always think they are one step ahead of us. My first year teaching (before the use of google classroom and google docs), my students thought they could plagiarize their essays. They would go to the trouble of hand writing the essays onto a paper, thinking that I would not notice. These last two years, I have had significantly less try to cheat by copy-pasting online work and turning it in. The two students that tried it this year came from an honor's English class. When I caught them they said, "I didn't know you couldn't do that." Yeah, right. I wasn't born yesterday.
But after reflecting on the student's reactions, I really think they didn't know it is considered illegal. This course has taught me that I can't assume what students know and don't know when it comes to technology and the expectations we have for them. Therefore, my colleagues and I have created a Plagiarism contract and show students a short video to help them understand the severity of their actions.
I have created a symbaloo with a few of my favorite online resources; follow this link for a complete list of all my resources. Sanchez's Resources
1) No Red Ink: This resource is to help students become better writers through the use of a variety of online and printable tools. This last year, we used red ink a lot in conjunction with our new textbook. In previous years, our textbook included grammar work, but the new one does not. I like using this source for grammar quick checks that also allows me to track their progress as they move through the year. They also have great writing workshops and and prompts to get the students engaged in their learning. https://www.noredink.com/
2) EduBlog: We needed a way to get students excited about writing while exploring a variety of ways one can write. As a PLC, we decided that during the narrative unit, we should allow students to blog about the readings and make personal connections to the stories. Originally, we wanted to use Blogger, because students could sign in with their google account and make it personal, while being able to maintain observation of their online activity. However, our school's internet filters blocked the site, therefore we had to adjust and use Edu Blogs. The site is still great because I was able to access their posts via a link or a quick search. I created a google doc and had everyone paste their links on it. Then I had them visit 3-5 classmates and make comments on their posts. (I wonder where I got that idea?) https://edublogs.org/
3) Kahoot: The best way to review! It is free to create an account and I love using it while doing station work or as a class builder. This year alone, I have used it as an Anticipatory Set for To Kill a Mocking Bird, Vocabulary quizzes for The Tempest, and a comprehension review for Lord of the Flies. As I mentioned before, I like to use it during station work and have my EL students start there first to help front load information for them prior to rotating through the stations. My academic tutor runs this station and helps students take the fun quiz. I love adding personal pictures to make it more students friendly. It could really be used for any subject at any age. https://kahoot.com/
4) Google Sites: This is a great resource for both students and teachers. This year, our PLC used google sites to be used as a research engine, anticipatory set, and station work. The app allowed us to use our school gmail account to create it and it gave us a role within the group. Next year we hope to use google sites to have a class inquiry project in which individual groups are responsible for filling in all of their required research. This way, everything is in one location and they can have access to it immediately. Finally, it helps teach the students the importance of credible resources and how anyone can post something online. Here is a link to the Google Site we made as a PLC: https://sites.google.com/vusd.us/malalastations/home
5) YouTube.com: Never underestimate the power of YouTube University. You will be surprised at what students look up. What I enjoy about YouTube, besides everything, it that I can create an account with my school gmail account in which I can Post and link videos. Students then "follow" me and anytime I add something, they are notified. After completing the infographic and the paperslide show, I could add those to my account as well. If students and parents agree, I can film activities we do in class so that way absent students to not miss out. The idea of having my videos ready at any moment is the best. The You Tube search can be distracting and lead to hours of watching hilarious cat videos. https://www.youtube.com/
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