Online Writing Tools

Online writing tools make it easy for teachers and students to collaborate on work and turns the dreaded revision process into a painless undertaking. Discussion forums such as Nicenet.org allow for feedback from both a teacher and fellow students, and keeps a record of peer review for readers and writers. Online word processors, like Google Docs/Writely, permit multiple authors of a piece of writing, and truly transforms group work into cooperative work.

For help and ideas on how to incorporate online writing tools in the classroom, see the resources listed below.

Teachers Network Resources

Be sure to watch our blogging video featured on the main menu. In this video, a teacher creates a class blog, also incorporating online writing tools and a wiki.

View a video on using technology for writing: http://teachersnetwork.org/videos, then scroll down to the video, "Opening Doors to Technology Literacy: Bringing the Web to the Classroom."

How-To Use a Discussion Forum on Nicenet.org: http://teachersnetwork.org/ntol/howto/incorptech/discforum.htm

How-To Design a Writing Lab:
http://teachersnetwork.org/ntol/howto/incorptech/writelab.htm

Curriculum Units Featuring Online Writing Tools

Blogging with Students:
http://teachersnetwork.org/grantwinners/GrantTeachNet_PaulAllison_BloggingWithStudents.htm

Taking Action Against Indifference: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnetnyc/pmaslow/night.htm

Oral History Interview and Essay: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnetnyc/pmaslow/interview.htm

More on the Web

Nicenet: http://nicenet.org

Google Docs: http://docs.google.com.

Writeboard: http://writeboard.com

ZohoWriter: http://zohowriter.com

Writely: a New Tool for the Classroom:
http://toddseal.com/rodin/2006/01/writely-a-new-tool