Writing

aMap Name: Josie Johnson What does this tool do? This tool is called an argument builder and it is intended to help students back up their arguments with sound evidence. Who is this tool for? Students will learn to carefully apply details to their arguments. What will be created? An argument with supporting details. Are the steps clearly laid out? Yes. What should I know before I begin? Need to have an idea of what your supporting statements are so that you don’t use your details more than once. What do I need to gather before I begin? Facts or expert opinions to back up their persuasive writing. What will my students accomplish using this tool? Student writing will improve by writing a well supported argument. How will this Online tool help you? Your students? This is an engaging and well-scaffolded tool. It will help me because it walks students through the steps so I can help with other tasks. It will help students become more comfortable with the process of supporting their arguments by providing an innovative way of practicing the essay process. Which curriculum links or SOL competencies could this Online Tool encourage? DCPS Persuasive writing standards What are the benefits (added value) to using this Online Tool? Interactive, students can personalize it, it moves: basically, I feel like students will be more pulled in to craft an argument online than when they write it on white paper. What challenges will you face as you work with this Online Tool? Keeping students only on this site.

aMap [] Names: David Sowards, Sarah Taylor

What does this tool do? -This tool maps out arguments in an easy to follow visual format.

Who is this tool for? Teachers –to show students how to set up an effective argument and as a tool to promote debate in the classroom. Students – as a tool to design an effective argument

What will be created? - A visual map of a side of an argument complete with support and evidence for positions. It is well laid out and flows in the logical order.

Are the steps clearly laid out? -Yes, you type in each point of the argument in steps and it formats the argument in a visually pleasing format.

What should I know before I begin? -You need to know your side of the argument including supporting statements and evidence to back it up.

What do I need to gather before I begin? -See above

What will my students accomplish using this tool? -Students will effectively set up a side of an argument using logic and sequencing and be able to defend their opinions in a debate.

How will this Online tool help you? Your students? -It will help visual learners the basic construction of an argument. -It allows for other students to join in. Which curriculum links or SOL competencies could this Online Tool encourage? -Persuasive essays -Analyze logic in a persuasive text -Synthesize positions in an argument What are the benefits (added value) to using this Online Tool? -Provides a visual representation of an intellectual pursuit -Scaffolds building an argument

What challenges will you face as you work with this Online Tool? -There are a very limited number of characters per “point” of the argument making it difficult to express your opinion at length. - Money


 * What questions do you have as you investigate this Online Tool? **
 * -Is it possible to make components longer? **
 * -Could you change the transition wording? (it’s British) **