Tech Alternatives to the Traditional Essay

There is a time, place, and value for a written essay, however not every unit needs to end in one.  Giving students choice in how to share their research is important to incorporate into the classroom.  Here are some ways students can use technology to share their research instead of the
traditional essay.

Podcasts

Students would turn their research into a script appropriate for the audience that will be listening.  Then they record themselves reading their script.  These podcasts could be shared through Google Classroom for other students to listen to.  While students are listening to the different podcasts, they could take note of three new to them facts about the topic.

Tools to create a podcast:
* Chrome Extension - Simple Audio Recorder
* Chromebook Apps - SoundCloud, Voice Recorder

Public Service Announcement (PSA)

This would work well for projects that involve students to research a popular issue and form an opinion on that issue.  Students will have to think of who their audience is and how to best reach them.  The PSA could take the form of a short-video clip or presentation.

Tools to create a PSA:
* Google Slides
* Green Screen & DoInk App (we have this in the media center)
* Chromebook App - School Video Recorder

Website

Websites are a great way for students to share researched information in a structured visual format.  Students can have a home page briefly describing the topic and then subpages with more specific information.

Tools to create a website:
* Google Sites
* Wix
* Weebly

Letter to the Editor

Have students practice their formal letter writing skills by writing a letter about their topic to a newspaper or magazine "editor."

Tool to write letters to an editor:
* Google Docs

TED Talk

Have students give a short speech about their topic.  They will write and memorize a script.  Next they would video record themselves giving this TED Talk.  TED Talks could then be shared through Google Classroom for all students to view.  As they are listening, they could take note of three new to them facts about the topic.

Tools to create a Ted Talk:

* Green Screen & DoInk App (we have this in the media center)
* Chromebook App - School Video Recorder

Infographic

Infographics are online posters that use mainly pictures to share information.  These posters could be shared through Google Classroom or open on each student's computer allowing the students to conduct a gallery walk viewing each other's work.  As with some of the other options, students could write down some new to them facts about the topic.

Tools to create an Infographic:
* Canva
* Piktochart
* Venngage