Chapter 10

Journal Post 9

“This I Believe”

            Robert’s “This I Believe” project has a lot of potential to be successful, especially with the help of technology. His first goal is to read and hear different types of “This I Believe” essays and there are many ways Robert can do this in a way to keep the students engaged. He can use the video projector to play some inspiring versions of this essay such as Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech conveys a similar tone. A video would help students visualize the power and emotion that can be expressed through words that the writer truly believes in. The essays can also be found as media files that the students can download into their iPods so they can listen to them at their convenience. He can also project the actual essays and have the students take turns reading them aloud while he makes real-time adjustments, highlights important information, or points out important areas which the students may have missed.
            Robert’s second goal is to have them write their own “This I Believe” essays and share them with other members of the class. Personally, I would have each student type their essays so that they can use the computer’s spell check features to help them with any grammatical issues they may be having. The students can type their essays on a program such as Google Docs which would allow them to type their essay and then allow them to share it with the teacher or the class through the program. This way, students that are shy can have their essays read by Robert and their peers without them having to stand in front of a classroom and read aloud. Google Docs also allows the writer to give permission for readers to edit their work, this way the student can allow the teacher to correct their essay as many times as needed without having to waste paper. Students that have a difficult time coming up with ideas may become inspired by listening to songs that motivate them, or express positive messages. Robert can have students share their songs with the class and he may share some of his own.

            Robert’s third goal is to develop greater confidence and improved skill as a creative and expressive writer who can then perform successfully on the English exam. I feel that this is where technology and creativity would have the greatest bond. After each student has completed their essay, they should be allowed to choose their own way to present it to the class, because reading an essay out loud may not always be entertaining or engaging for each student, also, not every student may feel comfortable doing so. Students that are comfortable with the spot light may choose to simply read their essays aloud, act out their essays, or present their essays in their own creative way. Students that are not so comfortable with these methods may choose to create a short movie, PowerPoint presentation, or even create a form of multimedia such as a CD that each student can play individually. This would allow them to express their ideas while taking the direct focus away from them. By allowing students to express their ideas in their own way, it allows them to feel more comfortable writing about what they truly believe in because they may not feel the added pressure of having to physically present their essays.