Developing and Writing Analytical Claims

OVERVIEW

In this module, you will be learning about a variety of instructional technology tools and strategies that support the writing process for developing analytical claims and supporting them with evidence.

OBJECTIVES

  • transform a traditional lesson plan that incorporates student-centered close reading through meaningful instructional technology tools and strategies

WONDER

Have you ever wondered how you can support your students' analytical skills through making claims and supporting them with evidence?

INVESTIGATE

Choose some tools/strategies from the list below that you'd like to investigate further.

LEARN

Visit the Resources page to view some video tutorials and read various support materials about your chosen tool/strategy to learn how to integrate technology into your lesson. Don't see what you'd like to learn? Please contact Rob Leo, Coordinator of Instructional Technology Training for support.

CREATE

Create a real-world example of whichever tool/strategy you have chosen, transform a lesson plan that integrates your selection, and deploy your lesson with your students.

Tools

  1. Google Drive
  2. Google Docs
  3. Google Slides
  4. Google Drawings
  5. Google Classroom
  6. LucidChart
  7. Screencastify
  8. PowToon
  9. WeVideo
  10. Piktochart

Strategies

  1. Create a template in Google Docs that includes a graphic organizer (i.e. table) for organizing/brainstorming information, allowing each student to have space to write. In Google Drive, “make a copy” of the original template and rename it for the relevant assignment. In Google Classroom, create an Assignment and allow students to edit the document to brainstorm ideas in the graphic organizer.
  2. Create a Google Doc with a rhetorical essay prompt. Create an Assignment in Google Classroom and attach the Google Doc, making a copy for each student. Set a due date for students to turn in their work. Provide feedback to students using Google Docs' Comment tool or record your feedback using Screencastify and return their work. Pro Tip: Share comments with students BEFORE they turn in their work.
  3. Task students with using Lucidchart to create Venn Diagrams or other graphic organizers outline their thoughts in advance of a writing task.
  4. Have students use Piktochart, Google Drawings, or Google Slides to create a digital poster/display/infographic that demonstrates their analysis. Students can share their work to Google Classroom’s stream; peers can comment.
  5. Task students with writing a claim and supporting it with evidence. Students could storyboard their rhetorical arguments and create a multimedia project that uses tools like PowToon, WeVideo, or other digital storytelling tools to communicate their claim.