Paper-free Research "Paper"

Subject:  Language Arts

Grades:  11, 12

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Interactive website, Audio, Word processing, Communication tool, Collaboration tool, Image creator / editor, Website design tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Teacher presentation, Assessment, Research

Objective 2.01 Research and analyze ideas, events, and/or movements related to United States culture by:

•locating facts and details for purposeful elaboration.

•organizing information to create a structure for purpose, audience, and context.

•excluding extraneous information.

•providing accurate documentation.

For students' junior research paper, they must use a minimum of five academic print and electronic sources, use MLA citation for their Works Cited and write a minimum 5-page research paper.

My students conduct a paper-free research paper (until they print out their final draft).  Chris Rice developed a method for students to do the "notecard" method of research via Powerpoint slides instead of hard copy. 

Students sign in to Edmodo daily for two weeks, each day has a different assignment posted on the wall.  Students pull up the Word Document of instructions for the day and the Powerpoint slides/websites needed to complete their research.  Students add links to reputable research websites they find (approved by me) to the Class Wall as research continues so their classmates can use those sources as well.  The Edmodo wall facilitates discussion between students without yelling across the lab.  Students can ask each other (and me) questions by adding a comment and I can monitor their comments for inappropriate.

After students finish the task for the day, they simply turn in their notecards, Task Definition, Works Cited, or paper draft to me by uploading it on the Edmodo wall.  I then check each of their assignments on my own computer, grade their assignments and make comments on their notecards or "Track Changes" on their papers in Word.  Students are provided with day-to-day formative assessments of their progress, and I don't have to lug around cards/papers and hurt my back.

When the paper is fully completed, students print out their organized notecards (done through Powerpoint drag-and-drop), their Topic Outline, Task Definition, Rough Draft (with two different editors' "Track Changes" on it), and Final Draft and still have a paper finished copy. 

This website is structured like Facebook, so the students are already familiar with the layout and uses of the site.  This makes faciliatating the project extremely easy once they understand what is expected of them for the day.

I formatively assess their progress daily through Edmodo's grading functions and through Track Changes on Word and Powerpoint.

I will NEVER teach a research paper on paper again.  This makes this (rather tedious) activity much more user-friendly and keeps kids actively engaged throughout the project duration.

Page Sellers,  Hickory High

Want to learn more about Edmodo?  Find out more here!