Journal 3: Keep them Chatting

Cole, J. (2009, Feb.). Keep Them Chatting. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36, Retrieved Mar. 2, '09, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200902/

“Keep them Chatting” is about creating inspiring questions for students to urge creativity and participation in chat rooms. The article lays out four techniques for forming good questions that encourage students, as opposed to dry questions that leave students with no desire to do anymore than the bare minimum. The four types of questions are: high-level, open-ended questions, the inquiry method, the discrepant event inquiry method, and using illogical comparisons. The examples for each question in the article were great, as most took a lesson and incorporated it with something modern day, and they were framed in a way that would definitely excite and inspire students. The questions were also specific enough so as to let students know what they need to incorporate and what they need to do online to complete the assignment; everything is laid out in the rubric. What I found most helpful about the article is how helpful the examples were and how they can be applied in both a technology and non-technical setting.

Q). Why are the question formats provided so helpful?
A). The question formats provided are helpful because most incorporate contemporary themes and are specific in what they are asking for. Math and science can be dry, uninteresting topics for many students, but by incorporating the elements of these subjects with something exciting like rollercoasters. Using websites specified by the teacher and using online forums set up just for this purpose is a great way to encourage collaboration and incorporate technology.
Q). How can I incorporate exciting chats in my classes?
A). If I want to use chat rooms and wiki discussions in my classes I can ask students to imagine a character in modern day. What stores would she shop at? What would she buy there? What websites would she visit? I would have students create an online profile of her and have each student add an element, which would then be built upon by another student. This would be a great way to have students build upon each other’s ideas.