teaching writing and editing in a digital world
TRANSCRIPT
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
September 13, 2013
Introductions
Rosemary Jean-LouisWeb Content Curator/Blogger GPB New Media & Education
gpb.org/education gpb.org/blogs/passion-for-learning
404-685-2544
gpb.org/education
Session Poll
What do you read and what device are you using to read “stuff” with?
Screen Friendly Content
The way content is organized, written and edited has to accommodate multiple screen sizes.
*Responsive design
Screen Friendly Content
Text must be flexible enough to accompany other digital elements:
•Video •Still Images •Slideshows•Infographics
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Objectives:
Review writing techniques and best practices that can be applied across
multiple screens.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Objectives:
Review writing exercises that you can apply yourselves and students can
apply.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Objectives:
Review how to incorporate PBS Learning Media in teaching some of these
techniques.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World Resource
The Yahoo! Style Guide
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
TIP #1
Construct text for digital reading:
• Put most important information/idea first
• Keep sentences and paragraphs short
• Use clear words for navigation and links
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Example Before & After Paragraph
BEFORE HOME PAGE:Architronixx, founded by an architect, Jay Pogue, an engineer,
Barry Beasley, and a sound engineer, Mari DeHart, was a totally new concept in 1981, when it was founded. The idea - a firm that merged architecture, structural engineering, and acoustics - was brand new. Today, Architronixx is still the leader in the field it pioneered almost three decades ago, and our buildings have garnered praise from national and international authorities...
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Example Before & After Paragraph
AFTER HOME PAGE :In 1981, Architronixx invented a new concept: buildings that
combine innovative architecture, intelligent engineering, and acoustic design. Today, Architronixx is still the leader in the field it pioneered almost three decades ago.
Learn more about how our designs work.
Walk through our award-winning buildings.
Read about our founders.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Suggested Real World Exercise:
Choose a text heavy print brochure and have students rewrite and reformat it as
a website homepage.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Common Core StandardsCCW 4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCW 5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
TIP #2
Make Text Scan Friendly:
• Write strong, concise headlines
• Bold headlines
• Use subheadlines that break up text
• Bold keywords
• Use bulleted and numbered lists
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Example Before & After Paragraph
BEFORE:Everyone loves a picnic, which makes this deluxe picnic
basket set the the perfect gift. You’ll find it’s fully loaded with plates, glasses, flatware, and napkins for four, plus a bread knife, a cutting board, salt and pepper shakers, and a corkscrew. It even comes with a fleece blanket for the family to sit on. Buy it now for only $49.99.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Example Before & After Paragraph
AFTER:This deluxe picnic basket set makes the perfect gift. It’s fully
loaded with:
• Plates, glasses, flatware, and napkins for four
• Bread knife and cutting board
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Corkscrew
• Fleece blanket
Buy it now - $49.99
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
TIP #3
Develop and write for different digital styles:
Blogs - editorial/opinion writing
E-newsletters - Persuasive/marketing writing
Emails - Professional/business style writing
Articles - “Just the Facts” informational writing
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
TIP #4
Write around and to include digital elements:
Images - Write clear captions/select appropriate images
Videos - Summarize videos you are using
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Suggested Real World Exercise #2:
Choose a brochure for a product and rewrite it as a blog post, e-newsletter,
online article and/or email to a teacher.
What would that look like?
Common Core Standard: CCW4, CCW5
What is PBS Learning Media? gpb.pbslearningmedia.org
How do You Access it?:
•Sign up, register and login to get full access.
•gpb.pbslearningmedia.org
OR gpb.org/education - scroll down to login to it.
Teaching Writing and Editing in a Digital World
Questions?
Contact
Rosemary Jean-LouisWeb Content Curator/Blogger GPB New Media & Education
gpb.org/education Twitter: @gpbeducation
404-685-2500
