Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof.

Elizabeth Lawrie

W540 Computers in the Curriculum

Media Literacy
Title Grades Estimated Time Lesson Author Overview Twitter & Storify: The Twitter-Based Research Project 11&12 Three 90 minute double-blocked sessions Eric Nentrup As Frank Baker quotes in the prophetic Marshall McLuhan in the opening paragraph of his chapter in Heidi Hayes Jacobs Curriculum 21, Without an understanding of media grammars, we cannot hope to achieve a contemporary awareness of the world in which we live (Carpenter & McLuhan, 1960, p.xii). If McLuhan had only known what wed be trying to respond to in 2011. A question: What do the news of Michael Jacksons death, the 2008 US Presidential elections, and the Egyptian and Libyan revolutions have in common? Twitter. Each of these events was received by the public at breakneck speed, in a democratic blitzkrieg of 140 characters or less. People on the ground were sharing their insights, links to their photos, and generally outrunning and overrunning the established media outlets using Twitter. Twitter and history meshed and mattered. But Twitter is not just helpful in relaying headline news. Its established itself in a few short years as an amazing way for people to nd and aggregate data from disparate though reputable sources, and shed light on public opinion about a topic, and most importantly, connect people who otherwise wouldnt have met. Of course people are using it for sharing the banal, but others are using it in profound ways. Ben-Ari learned that, While many people use Twitter to share news on what they ate for lunch, others, including some scientists, are using Twitter for mindcasting, or sharing information and ideas (Ben-Ari, 2009). High school students learning this now, can use these tools in profound ways later! Though Twitter may give way eventually to some other social network, it has a rm root with its ardent user base because of the heretofore previously unavailable connectivity: smartphones, dumbphones, tablets, and any other internet capable device have the ability to peer into the raging waters of the 24/7 TweetStream, and pull out a dipperful of important information. Many may copy this model in the years to come, which is why mastery of the channel is a worthwhile investment for our students today. And to do it in a responsible manner, our students deserve some classroom time to model what it means to be a digital citizen, and Twitter is the perfect platform for learning, not only safety and manners, but also how to process and evaluate what theyre reading in a critical manner: Students need to know how to read media messages and to understand the process of making media. (Baker, 2010). Couple that with an auxiliary site such as Storify.com and you have a dynamic duo of timely content from a variety of sources and the ability to assimilate that into something coherent, and summative. Students today need to learn WHAT TO DO with the amazing inux of information, and this combo activity provides them with a basic toolset to create projects across disciplines that demonstrate their learning as well as their cultural and technological relevance. Theory to Practice Rinaldo, S. B., Tapp, S., & Laverie, D. A. (2011, August 01). Learning by Tweeting. Journal of Marketing Education, 33(2), 193-203. Retrieved November 23, 2011, from http:// jmd.sagepub.com/content/33/2/193.

The Twitter-Based Research Project

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Standards

COMMON CORE 11-12.W.6 - Writing - Production and Distribution of Writing Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information. 11-12.W.7 - Writing - Research to Build and Present Knowledge Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a selfgenerated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. ISTE | NETS 1.Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students: d. identify trends and forecast possibilities. 5. Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students: b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

Resources and Preparation

Materials and Technology The teacher must be comfortable with both Twitter and Storify Classroom set of iPads, iPod touches, Notebooks, or Computer Lab (1 per student, preferably) Dual Screens are helpful but if not available, instructions can be put on a dry erase board and the Tweets can be projected. A fast, fat internet connection. Websites Twitter.com Storify.com Twitter in Plain English MORE step by step instructions Twitter Vocabulary (by Tef) Twitter Vocab Quiz (by Tef) Preparation

Instructional Plan LEARNING TARGETS I can identify technology that will help me produce, publish, and update my individual or shared writing products. (K) I can create a research paper/project to demonstrate understanding of the subject under investigation. I can identify trends and forecast possibilities. I can exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

The Twitter-Based Research Project

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Instructional Plan (SESSION 1)

Session 1:
Prior to students entering room, dim the lights, play some calming music. Then put Twitter.com on the projector screen, with YOUR account up and the tweet with a class hashtag: So...what is Twitter? Lets talk about this HERE without speaking outloud. #Mr_____Class Observe how many of your students respond via Twitter, and howphone, tablet, iPod Touch, notebookeven before the bell rings. DO NOW (5 Minutes) - ON SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS: Quietly get out your iPad (iPod Touch/Netbook/login to your computer). Again, emphasis on the QUIET. Setup a Twitter account (if you dont already have one) Post to the screen with the class hashtag (#MrEricsClass) anywhere in your post. See my example on the screen? When you see classmates on the screen, click their tweet and follow them. INTRODUCTION (7 Minutes): After observing and assisting any struggles during the DO NOW, start to respond to the initial posts by MODELING retweeting, replying, and generally starting a conversation with the most progressive students in the room, visible on the projector screen as well as on the personal displays of all students that are logged in. Try to do this on your portable device so that you can make rounds and monitor students and move them towards critical mass of being logged in and interacting with each other using the class hashtag. Try to keep the room quiet and encourage the class (via Twitter) to keep the atmosphere calm and thoughtful. Explain (via Twitter) that Twitter lets people ALL OVER THE WORLD have a conversation in SHORT sentences. Ask the students what they think about that and why that could be important. Ask what it means to be RESPONSIBLE as Digital Citizens have students post their ideas in the TweetStream using the class hashtag. Post the following two links to explain Twitter (earbuds or headphones!) Twitter in Plain English by CommonCraft.com Or if you need MORE step by step instructions BREAK THE SILENCE (15 Minutes): Take a break from THE MEDIUM of Twitter, and have a verbal discussion (auditory learners!) about how everybody felt about the SILENT CONVERSATION. Ask if anyone was INTIMIDATED by the technology, and what we could do to make it easier to comprehend. Ask if anyone brought into the room PRECONCEIVED prejudices against Twitter. Why do they NOT like Twitter? Ask for students to offer counter arguments about how Twitter can be a force for good. Ask if anybody knows of a MAJOR WORLD EVENT where Twitter played an historical role. If/When students fail to start searching on their own, POINT IT OUT! Is anybody searching for examples yet? Duh! Discuss the examples, encouraging a quasi-conversation, part VERBAL, part TEXTUAL (some comments you make out loud, some you make via Twitter). If applicable, relate a story about your personal use of Twitter at a conference, with friends, with fans of the same sports team, etc.

The Twitter-Based Research Project

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Instructional Plan PROJECT AGENDA EXPLANATION (7 Minutes) (SESSION 1 Explain that Twitter has become a very important tool in the continuing evolution of the contd) internet and that together, we are going to become Twitter Reporters using two different tools together: Twitter & Storify Cover the Learning Objectives (above), asking for volunteers to read from the CLASS WEBSITE (I use Posterous.com regularly with my current classes...e.g., pop.indymet.org) Explain that the class is going to start with learning to become POWER USERS of Twitter, and then move over and start using STORIFY.COM in tomorrows session. Explain that we were going to learn to communicate with each other as well as conduct searches for important information about Twitter, and then use this other tool to help us write a STORY based on our Twitter research. INDEPENDENT WORK TIME (40 Minutes): Explain that there are a few KEY TERMS and ASPECTS of Twitter to grasp to become effective users of the technology. Encourage the students to DISCOVER the vocabulary and aspects on their own and post their ndings IN the TweetStream. As students DISCOVER key terms, explain the importance of the #Hashtag and saved searches. Model how to nd Trending Topics and how to save search examples based on a VOLUNTEERED SUBJECT. Be certain to facilitate the discussion in the TweetStream HOMEWORK (5 minutes): Continue to spend time playing with Twitter. Reach out and REPLY to someone who says something. Start a conversation. Build LISTS based upon interests Study the TWITTER VOCAB list using Quizlet.com (or Flashcards Deluxe on the iPad) BE READY FOR A VOCAB QUIZ TOMORROW! Reect and Ask Clarifying Questions about the homework expectations EXIT TICKET (5 minutes): Review the LEARNING TARGETS from earlier (class website), and then respond to the following questions by posting a comment on the class websites daily post (or email the teacher if you need privacy). How do you see that becoming a skilled user of Twitter can help you achieve any of these learning targets? From what you experienced today, what concerns do you have? What could have been done better today?

The Twitter-Based Research Project

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Instructional Plan (contd)

Session 2:
Prior to students entering room, dim the lights, play some calming music. Then put Twitter.com on the projector screen, with YOUR account up and the tweet with a class hashtag: Hey! #MrEricsClass ... What did you LEARN as you spent more time with Twitter last night? What lists did you build or subscribe to? Any interesting people that you FOLLOWED? DO NOW (7 Minutes): Quietly get out your iPad. Once again, emphasis on the QUIET. Respond to Mr. Erics Tweet on the screen (above). Next, quietly review the Twitter Vocab Terms. INTRODUCTION (10 Minutes): Twitter Vocab Quiz! (had over to the Twitter Vocab Quiz (by Tef) Send your results via email. When you are DONE with the quiz, review the LEARNING TARGETS (class website or above). When done reviewing the learning targets, check out todays TRENDING TOPICS and look for subjects of interest to you that have SUBSTANCE. PROJECT AGENDA: STORIFY INTRO (10 minutes) Discussion about whats going to happen next: STORIFY.com (Yesterday what did we say about Twitters role in the world?) What were examples of situations where Twitter was historically CRUCIAL? Explain how a team of developers recognized how these werent isolated experiences and created STORIFY.COM At Storify.com, register for an account and connect the account to your TWITTER account. STORIFY EXPLORATION (40 minutes) Spend some time exploring Storify.com and getting familiar with what it does. Read 3 stories about subjects that interest you. TWEET with the class hashtag (#MrEricsClass) links to the stories you nd. ONE ISSUE MUST BE GLOBAL!!! When youve read your three stories and posted them to the class TweetStream, spend some time checking out the work of your classmates and initiate conversations with at least 2 DIFFERENT classmates about the stories they found. Exchange several tweets with them about the most important points of the issues being discussed. REMEMBER!!!! Be a responsible DIGITAL CITIZEN in your responses!! STORIFY CREATION (20 minutes) Now that you have reviewed some examples, how would YOU use Storify.com to piece together a story about something you think is important RIGHT NOW? Spend some time looking at the lists youve generated in Twitter and reviewing the stories you just studied. Tweet to the class TweetStream ideas about what you think is important. Read the responses and posts of others to help rene your idea. Make sure youre a RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL CITIZEN and courteous to others ideas. Offer CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK!!! HOMEWORK: Using your skills with the HASHTAG and SAVED SEARCHES, Spend time developing your Storify project, gathering and sorting the tweets. Reach out to authors and clarify! EXIT TICKET: Submit the FINAL subject proposal for your Storify project to this posts comments!

The Twitter-Based Research Project

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Instructional Plan (contd)

Session 3: Write your story!

Have the following posted in the class Tweet Stream and on the screen as students enter the room. Did any other Tweeps respond to your interactions? #MrEricsClass DO NOW (5 Minutes): Quietly get out your iPad. Emphasis on the QUIET. Respond to Mr. Erics Tweet on the screen. INTRODUCTION (7 Minutes): You have the entire period to write your Storify project. Heres a list of things Im looking for in the nished project: A THESIS statement posted to TODAYs TweetStream which demonstrates your OPINION on the subject youve chosen. Response to at least TWO students THESES, offering rening ideas and revisions. Your nished Storify needs to have a clear Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. In your STORIFY, at LEAST 10 different Tweeps to cite, supporting your thesis. At least 3 Tweeps offering a contrary opinion to the subject. At least 3 citations with rich media (links to other sites, images, audio, or video) Thorough and proper bridging language between the various Tweets, in Standard English that is professional, and engaging. Published to your OWN TweetStream as well as tagged with #MrEricsClass for publishing in the class TweetStream. This RUBRIC will be used in assessing the nished piece according to the specs above and the learning targets weve reviewed each day. HOMEWORK: Finish your Storify essay for submission at beginning of class TOMORROW! EXIT TICKET: What might keep you from being successful? Where is your condence on achieving the learning targets through this project? Post your response in the COMMENTS of the class website.

The Twitter-Based Research Project

 Include addi+onal cita+ons below.

Assessments

Eric Nentrup IU W540 Prof. Elizabeth Lawrie

Do Nows and Exit Tickets (Informal Formative) Class TweetStream Posts (Informal Formative) Vocab Quiz (Formal Formative/Summative) Rounding/Observations/Checklists [Account Setups, Lists, and Posts] (Informal Formative) Storify Rubric [BELOW] (Formal Summative)
Mostly Procient 4 Less Than Satisfactory 2

Procient 5

Satisfactory 3

Effort Only 1

LEARNING TARGET MASTERY I can identify technology that will help me produce, publish, and update my individual or shared writing products. (K) I can create a research paper/project to demonstrate understanding of the subject under investigation. I can identify trends and forecast possibilities. I can exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. CONTENT INCLUSIONS A THESIS statement posted to TODAYs TweetStream which demonstrates your OPINION on the subject youve chosen. Response to at least TWO students THESES, offering rening ideas and revisions. Your nished Storify needs to have a clear Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. In your STORIFY, at LEAST 10 different Tweeps to cite, supporting your thesis. At least 3 Tweeps offering a contrary opinion to the subject. At least 3 citations with rich media (links to other sites, images, audio, or video) Thorough and proper bridging language between the various Tweets, in Standard English that is professional, and engaging. Published to your OWN TweetStream as well as tagged with #MrEricsClass for publishing in the class TweetStream. SUBTOTALS

TOTAL (65 Pts Possible)

The Twitter-Based Research Project