Summarizing+and+Note+Taking

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= Research Strategy: Summarizing and Note Taking =

=** Overview **= Effective synthesis of information is an important 21st century skill. Students have endless amounts of information at their fingertips 24/7. In order to analyze and synthesize information, students need to understand how to properly process it through identification of key concepts and extraneous information. Teaching important information literacy skills such as summarizing and note taking supports student learning and comprehension. Technology 1: Blogging "Text or Twitter-style"** (@http://www.blogger.com/home) __ Rationale __ Recent studies show that most students are savvy with text messaging and they often use it as their main form of communication with peers. Because text messages are limited to 160 characters or less, it seems as though our students are already skilled at summarizing information they communicate via text. Teachers can utilize blogs to give students a platform in which to summarize concepts read or discussed in class. Limiting students to 160 characters or less on the blog posts will force them to really think about the information they are processing, identifying key points and unnecessary information. An example may be, "after the Stamp Act was imposed, what would a text message from the American colonists to the King of England say?"

__ Resources Needed __
 * Computers
 * Internet

Rationale __ BrainPop audio visual tutorials include topics such as paraphrasing that provide engaging lessons on how to summarize and take notes in your own words. The tutorials could be watched as a class or individually. Additionally, BrainPop tutorials on other content topics lend themselves to good note taking practice, as key points are highlighted throughout the movies and students can pause and rewind as they take notes from the videos.
 * Technology 2: BrainPop** (@http://www.brainpop.com)__

__ Resources Needed __
 * Computers
 * Internet
 * BrainPop subscription (prices vary from classroom, $195/yr, to entire school, $995/yr. Discounted district rates are also available).

__ Rationale __ The iPad allows students to read in a variety of manners, whether it be in the traditional sense, or in the form of an interactive, animated story or read aloud. iPad applications are available that provide an interactive reading and note taking experience. iPad applications such as iBook allow for bookmarking, highlighting and note-taking within e-books or right on pdf files so students can create a more personal reading experience and not have to worry about marking in a book or losing post-it notes. Additionally, the iPad voice recorder allows students to think aloud as they read and gather their thoughts during the process.__
 * Technology 3: iPad**

Resources Needed __
 * iPads ($499 each)
 * iBooks application (free)
 * eBooks (free-$9.99)

The iPad can address **literacy development** by giving learners a means to easily and actively think while reading. Using an interactive e-reader application that allows for bookmarking, highlighting and note-taking with teacher guidance can give students literacy skills they need in making connections, analysis and communication of ideas. The iPad, can address all recommended areas of a literacy program by providing opportunities to read, write, listen and speak. It can scaffold learners with talking books and encourage reflection with the abilities to take notes (written or orally). This new technology may also be a good motivator for reluctant readers by allowing them a more interactive reading experience.
 * Educational Challenges **

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