BYOT HS Feature - Lauren Hickey

Image: Students engaged in learning using BYOT

The following story comes from Lauren Hickey at the East Central High School:

In my sophomore classroom we are working on a persuasion unit. Instead of asking students to look at a prompt and write an essay we have embarked on developing arguments for a Town Hall Debate. Students picked their own topics using a collaborative brainstorming organizer online. They then have been working in groups gathering articles in order to prepare for the opening argument, points, counterpoints, rebuttal, and closing statement. 

I have been amazed at how engaged my students have been with this assignment. I have several classes that are high Spec. Ed and even my lowest students, who I struggle to engage on most days, have been working hard and are engaged in the project. We introduced Google Docs, which presented some initial confusion, but they quickly got the hang of it. Students have been collaborating daily and have produced some powerful writing that they are passionate about. They are all excited to come back from Spring Break to start the digital ad component.

Thanks to Lauren for sharing what is going on in her classroom!

Note: All students pictured have had their guardian(s)/parent(s) sign the Responsible Use Agreement which authorizes the use of group pictures to be displayed online.