It’s a myth that all teenagers are tech-savvy, says Saline High School English teacher Jennifer Denzin. They can certainly manage their social needs, but what about the computer skills they’ll need in college?That’s why Denzin is excited about a new college writing course she’s teaching using Moodle, an online course management system that allows students to access information, engage with one another in a variety of different ways, and interact with instructors. “Some of the kids didn’t anticipate their writing class would be predominantly online,” says Denzin. “But they’re pretty impressed with how much they’re able to write, and how they can organize all their writing in this virtual space we’ve created for the class.”
Beginning this month, Denzin’s new seniors-only college writing class will have a 20-hour service component. All assignments will be online, and students can fulfill their service requirements during that fifth hour class. Students will volunteer in areas that interest them, and their writing will focus on issues related to their service organization.
“The idea is that it will give them a better college experience before they go off to college because we’re hearing from our graduates that a lot of the courses they’re taking have online components,” said Denzin. “This is a good way to prepare students for that, but also involve students in the larger community as well.”
SHS Principal Ben Williams said results from Denzin’s pilot class using Moodle last year showed a surprising result: Productivity improved when students used the online model. “It leveled the playing field and gave equal voice to all,” he said, explaining that the more reserved students were given the chance to shine online when they might otherwise be intimidated by students who out-talk them in the classroom.
