Bitstrips



http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/ = Welcome to Bitstrips for Schools  = == Barbara McLaughlin

[[image:OTF_comic.JPG width="642" height="556" caption="OTF OR BUST!!!"]]
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Are you looking for ways to frame the Big Ideas and Inquiry Questions for all learners?

Do you want your students to choose a variety of methods to demonstrate their understandings of different forms of text?

Do you want to learn the language of comics for authentic inferencing, prediction, voice, point of view?

Do you want a safe, online environment for instant assessment for learning and accountable peer feedback?

You will:

 * == set up your class in minutes ==
 * == create and manipulate avatars ==
 * == write and format comic strips in ways that align with Ontario Curriculum and appeal to multiple learning styles ==
 * == experience the impact of immediate online feedback through teacher and moderated student comments ==









Accountable Talk - def'n
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Writing Strategies - RAFT []
===The RAFT Technique (Santa, 1988) is a system to help students understand their role as a writer, the audience they will address, the varied formats for writing, and the expected content. It is an acronym that stands for: ===


 * Role of the Writer - Who are you as the writer? Are you Sir John A. Macdonald? A warrior? A homeless person? An auto mechanic? A fraction? What is your Point of View? Voice?
 * Audience - To whom are you writing? Is your audience the Canadian people? A friend? Your teacher? Connected global classrooms?
 * Format - What form will the writing take? Is it a blog? An online ad? A Public Service Announcement video? A rap?
 * Topic + strong Verb - What's the subject or the purpose of this piece? To plead for a re-test? To call for stricter regulations on copyright?


 * Almost all RAFTs writing assignments are written from a viewpoint different from the student's, to another audience rather than the teacher, and in a form different from the ordinary theme. Therefore, students are encouraged to use creative thinking and response as they connect their imagination and prior knowledge to new situations. **

The RAFT strategy forces students to process information, rather than merely write out answers to questions. Students are more motivated to undertake the writing assignment because it addresses various learning styles.


 * RAFT Assignments [] **


 * RAFT Template [[file:RAFT template.doc]] **