Reflection Prompt: What were your earliest experiences with a writing technology? With a digital writing technology? What do you remember about them? How did you use them? What did you write/create?
My earliest memory of writing technology is using Microsoft Notepad on a Gateway 2000 computer with Dial-up Internet. I remember anytime I wanted to do something using internet I would have to make sure no one was using the cord telephone because the internet connection was established through the phone. If I remember correctly, I wrote a lot of lists, short (extremely short) stories, some journaling, and silly poems or cards. I remember using word processing software in my elementary school to type projects, add photos to stories I wrote, and make books. My parents still have some of the stories and books I made as a child and I will try to get copies of them to add to this post later on.
After a brief phone call with my mom, I discovered that I used Reader Rabbit and Bookworm from a young age. She thought my sisters and I played these games as early as three or four years old. Both games were used for reading and learning how to spell. I did not realize how dated these games were until I was searching for links to their websites or for any information. Reader Rabbit does have its own website, but by looking at its design it clearly has not been updated.The graphics are not visible and the homepage is cluttered with links to other websites with similar edutainment games. I was only able to find a download software link for Bookworm, but not its own website. It is available on a few game sites catered to young learners. Bookworm is similar to scrabble and a word search. The player has to spell words using adjacent letters.
While reminiscing on my own experience, I decided I could do an exercise like this in my Language Arts and ESL classes. I am planning to do an activity called “What comes to mind?” This activity is used to help students discuss a specific topic. The first discussion we will be having will be on reading. I will hold another discussion on writing. The activity asks students to describe facts, feelings, questions, and anything else that comes to mind about the topic. The activity is adapted from Tools for Thoughtful Assessment.