Creative Writing, Problem-Based Learning, and the Technology-

Enhanced English ClassroomAnastasia Trekles

Clinical Associate Professor, Purdue University CalumetBoard Member, Indiana Computer Educators (ISTE Affiliate)

atrekles@purdue.edu

This presentation will help you...Identify games and simulations, including virtual worlds from historical foundations such as Heritage Key, which can be used to spark creativity in middle school and high school English students.

Discuss the ways in which games, simulations, and other technologies can encourage curiosity, collaboration, and creative thought in “digital native” students.

Develop problem-based lessons that promote creative writing and creative response to aid in understanding of key concepts in English and literature study.

Design and promote alternative, technology-enhanced methods of helping students learn from one another through peer review of writing.

Teaching Creative WritingTeaching traditional literature studies, along with creative writing, can help learners comprehend the literature more thoroughly

Common Core Standards include an emphasis on reading and response to literature, but does that have to mean creative writing suffers as a result?

Why not have students practice writing the very forms they are reading to enhance comprehension, creative expression, and emotional connections to the literature?

(see Knoeller, 2003; Blythe & Sweet, 2008)

“Problem-Based Writing”Writing creatively is an ill-structured problem in itself, so developing a constructivist approach to writing lessons seems natural

Effective prompts in any problem-based Learning (PBL) lesson should ensure that the problem is:

clearinterestingrelevantpromotes collaborationstimulates self-directed learning

An immersive learning environment supported by scaffolds to lead students through constructing their own meaning is essential

(see Savery & Duffy, 1995; Van Oostrum, Steadman-Jones, & Carson, 2007; Jonassen & Hung, 2008; )

Capturing Digital Native Imaginations

What environment could be more immersive for many students than a video game?

Good video games often present ill-structured, complex problems with multiple solutions and collaborative opportunities - just like good PBL!

Evoke the imagination of digital natives to create within familiar and motivational environments

Familiar and fun stories that are truly “theirs” rather than from the literature of generations past can encourage students to engage more deeply in creative writing and critical thinking

(see Prensky, 2001; Dickey, 2005; 2011; Gee, 2003; 2008;Warren, Dondlinger, & Barab, 2008)

Creative Technology IntegrationWriting doesn’t just have to be typewritten pages

Integrate technology into the creative writing process just as you might in a PBL assignment

Allows for increased freedom and creative expression

Consider the use of:

Video and Audio podcastingAlternate kinds of presentations and writing styles (Prezi, Pecha Kucha format)Use Social media to display a story or game character’s “status”writing from the perspective of a virtual world avatar

Assessment StrategiesA collaborative studio or workshop approach allows students to learn from each other and experts

Promotes mastery learning and continuous feedback

But, there can be too much of a good thing - limit approaches that ask for imitation and try not to be too initially critical of developing work, as this leads to stifling rather than growing creativity

Use Peer review and extensive rubrics for assessment, but reinforce that there is not one “right” answer, style, or approach - guide rather than lead

(see Savery & Duffy 1995; Knoeller, 2003; Van Oostrum, Steadman-Jones, & Carson, 2007; Blythe & Sweet, 2008; Mcvey, 2008)

Problem-Based Creative Writing with Virtual Worlds: A Lesson

See http://ow.ly/bacpW for complete lesson

Students will:

develop stories based on interpretations of a complex situation, weaving current and historical fact into their writing. write works of short fiction, accurately applying at least one of the four literary perspectives (first-person, second-person, third-person, and omniscient).accurately implement principles of plot, setting, and character in creative writing. engage in collaborative discussion and peer review of each other’s writing, offering feedback and criticism as needed.

Example Lesson Resources

http://Heritage-Key.com/virtual-experience (to register and learn more)

http://heritage-key.com/downloads (to get the software)

http://QuestHistory.com (related programs from Heritage Key)

Additional Creative Writing and Game-Based Learning Resources

http://diariesofanexistentialist.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/five-creative-writing-lessons-from-video-games/

http://teacher2b.com/creative/creativp.htm

http://www.creative-writing-solutions.com/legends-of-druidawn.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_4872321_writing-activities-elementary-students.html

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1328332041/8-bits-of-wisdom-video-game-lessons-for-real-lifes

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/creative3.html

http://odewire.com/52320/reading-writing-and-playing-the-sims.html

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Video_Games_Educational/

Research

The articles and instructional design theory behind this presentation come from a paper I researched and composed in 2011

visit http://zelda23publishing.com/ISTE2012 to download a copy of this paper, these slides, and anything else you would like from my work presented at ISTE 2012

Thanks for your time and interest!

Image Credits

Hand image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenorton/2229437427/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Typing image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gusilu/2905410970/

Heritage Key Virtual Experience: http://www.flickr.com/photos/86419349@N00/4455080195/sizes/m/in/pool-1061266@N24/

Thank you!Anastasia M. Trekles

Clinical Associate Professor

Purdue University Calumet

atrekles@purdue.edu

@instruct_tech on Twitter

facebook.com/iceindiana

zelda23publishing.com