Creating

=Creating= This is where students organize their research and synthesize the information in a variety of creative ways. Having students share their learning orally before deciding on the platform they wish to use helps them solidify their ideas as well as find gaps in their information. You may have students pair/share with a peer without using any of their research notes. If students find they are missing information or are unable to answer questions about their research they may have to return to the retrieving phase. Discuss with students what their strengths and weaknesses are and help them find a presentation platform that best suits their project, their learning style and audience.

You may need to spend some time teaching new technology to students before they begin to work on the creating phase. Do remember that technology should be used to do what would otherwise be impossible and not use it for "show". No matter what the platform editing is still an important part of the process.


 * have students categorize information using time/order or cause and effect
 * have them hand in a first draft
 * peer edit first draft and incorporate questions and suggestions

There are a variety of tools for online creations:
 * Technology**
 * Glogster - interactive online poster that incorporates text, video, and audio
 * Animoto - creates music style videos using images, text and music
 * Voicethread - a slideshow that allows students to comment orally or use text. Excellent tool for collaboration and student comments. Creates a community of learners.
 * Google Docs - collaborative word processing accessible anywhere anytime
 * Prezi - a zoomable canvas that is similar to powerpoint but allows the user to zoom in and focus on key ideas. Incorporates images, text, audio and video
 * Blogger - a blog design program
 * Weebly - easily design your own website
 * Livebinders - an online three ring binder

For more suggestions check out the RSSPathfinders' Cool Tools.