ICT+strategies+for+English

__1. Livejournal: A Literary Sanctuary!__ As teachers we often misjudge the learning capacities of our students. //Livejournal// provides a certain creative freedom and space for students to explore individual realms of creativity. It is a new style of interactive learning that aims to help students compose and respond to texts in imaginative ways. Students are encouraged to read their classmates' posts and comment constructively on them. // Livejournal // is not only a tool that allows students to explore their creativity; it also serves as a useful source for self-reflection. It encourages teachers to reflect on their instruction and learning, and furthermore their professional development.
 * // A Tool for Professional Development and Self-reflection //**

Below are three most current pages that Alicia and I (Justine) created for years 8 and 9 during 2008-09.

[|9e 2008] This is the link to my class. Please note: This is a private page, so viewers will not be able to log in unless they sign in: Please see me if you wish to look at this site further and I will provide you with the user name and password. [|9R_ 2008] Alicia's fabulous year 9 class [|8C1 and 8A1 2009] This is my livejournal page for year 8 2009 The responses Alicia and I received from the students were overwhelming. There were certain students who displayed aspects of creativity that had not been demonstrated during class before. It seemed as though they could go home and connect to the source as if it was something they were totally comfortable with. Livejournal allows students to regurgitate thoughts and emotions in a medium that they relate to. As former ACU students, Alicia and I have become very familiar with this tool. Associate Professor Michael Griffith from the Australian Catholic University National swears by it and has incorporated it in every single one of his literature units since 2005. // **“I have great hopes for this on-line journal, both for you all and myself. It promises to provide a relaxed, informal space in which you can get down your ideas about reading. You might express yourself creatively... It will take us all a little time to get used to LiveJournal- but it is basically a very simple, but powerful tool…”** - Associate Professor Michael Griffith //

This document demonstrates how Livejournal can be used as an aid for professional self development. It also shows a series of responses and posts from students who have been using Livejournal in the classroom. Moreover, it provides personal opinions from students who have used it.

**//"The true method of knowledge is experiment" - William Blake //** Justine