Online Projects, Collaboration Sites and Publishing Opportunities

Lesson Idea Name: I Have an Opinion, but Can I Defend It?

Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 3rd
Content Standard Addressed:
ELAGSE3W1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
ELAGSE3W6: With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using
keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others

Technology Standard Addressed:

Global Collaborator
7b
Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community
members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.

Selected Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: Kid Pub Site

URL(s) to support the lesson: http://www.kidpub.com

Describe how you would incorporate an Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity in your
classroom:
I would use this online publishing opportunity with a language arts lesson. I would have the students write
about a topic with multiple opinions or viewpoints such as, should school be 4 days a week? Should you brush
your teeth once or twice a day? Etc. I would have the students collaborate with their peers that have differing
viewpoints. The students must include a paragraph about the differing viewpoint, as well. After the students
have created their writing pieces, I would assist them in publishing their writing pieces.
After the students have published their writing pieces to Kid Pub, I would require them to reply to 2 other
individuals work that have differing opinions or they may respond to 2 other students outside of the
classroom. Kid Pub could be used in the classroom for every writing standard. Also, the work on Kid Pub is
great for students to see other student’s writing. The students will be motivated to write being that they
know the end product will be published.

What technologies would be required to implement this proposed learning activity in a classroom?
Students will either use class computers, class tablets, or home computers for this assignment. After the
assignment has been completed, I will review the student’s work and have volunteers to share their work
with the class!

Describe how the following features are addressed in this learning experience (note: all of them may not be
addressed in the project, but most should be if you are reaching a high LoTi Level).
a. Collaboration with peers, near-peers, mentors outside their classroom and often beyond their
school:
By using the Kid Pub website, the students will publish their typed work for their peers, near-peers,
and others outside of the classroom. The students will provide constructive feedback to the other
students in the classroom and students outside the classroom.

b. Student-centered learning and knowledge creation (creating original data and or producing original
products as a result of engaging in a project):

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 Online Projects, Collaboration Sites and Publishing Opportunities
This website gives students the opportunity to create their own work and publish on the Kid Pub
website.

c. Higher-order thinking:
The students are expected to have their own point of view, but be able to see the perspectives of
others, as well. The students have to be able to see another student’s point of view and understand it.

d. Students publishing their original work to others who will use/care about their product:
Having the students publish their work will encourage them to do their absolute best. Other students
in the classroom and around the world will be able to read their work!

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☒ Level 1: Awareness ☒ Level 2: Exploration ☒ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☒ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Multiple means of representation: The students will type their essay in opinion form or based off of a
completed graphic organizer.
Multiple means of expression: Students will show learning through writing an opinion piece and being able to
defend it.
Multiple means of engagement: The students will be engaged through chrome book/ laptop research, opinion
writing, and essay publishing.

Lesson idea implementation and Internet Safety Policies: Fortunately, this website does not require
students to submit their full names with their work! Kid Pub allows students to create their own usernames. I
would introduce the lesson and explain how to use the Kid Pub website. I would share my own opinion writing
and share how to publish it for further clarification. I would assist the students in creating usernames and have
the parents sign a waiver to allow the students posts. By utilizing these strategies, I would still be able to
incorporate this website into my lesson!

Reflective Practice: After designing this lesson idea, I believe that this lesson will have a positive impact on the
students. The students will be able to collaborate with their peers and students outside of the classroom. The
students will be able to see writing from all over the world and read the writings of other students in the
classroom. They will be able to peer review their peer’s writing and provide constructive feedback.

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