Technology resources for parents and students

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Below is a list of resources that I will require the students to use, periodically, throughout the semester:


  • Digital Study Guides: provide context, plot overview, character lists, analysis of major characters, themes/motifs/symbols, chapter analysis, explain important quotations, key facts, provide practice quizzes...THIS RESOURCE DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF READING THE BOOK!!!*
  • Mind Mapping Software: a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to or arranged around a central key word or idea. The software that we will be using is free to Mac Users (since all of the students have a MacBook, this should not be a problem). Freemind is the name of the software, and it allows you to convert the mind map into outline form.
      • Two step process for using Freemind:
        1. Review the following link for information on how Freemind works: freemind youtube tutorial
        2. Download Freemind software at: freemind
        • To confirm that you have installed Freemind: you should have a butterfly icon on your software toolbar
  • GarageBand: GarageBand is software included on all of the school-issued MacBooks. The icon for GarageBand is a guitar (this can be found on the software toolbar). We will be using GarageBand to record ourselves reading, and create podcasts.
  • Comic Creator: The Comic Creator invites students to compose their own comic strips for a variety of contexts (prewriting, pre- and postreading activities, response to literature, and so on). The organizers focus on the key elements of comic strips by allowing students to choose backgrounds, characters, and props, as well as to compose related dialogue (shown at left). This versatile tool can be used by students from kindergarten through high school, for purposes ranging from learning to write dialogue to an in-depth study of a formerly neglected genre. The tool is easy to use, made even easier with the Comic Strip Planning Sheet, a printable PDF that comic creators can use to draft and revise their work before creating and printing their final comics. After completing their comic, students have the ability to print out and illustrate their final versions for feedback and assessment. (text taken from readwritethink).