Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/477973
"The trick for 21st century students is to transfer these classic pen-and-paper annotation strategies online. It's too easy for stu- dents to skim online articles and texts without thinking deeply about what they are reading." A website she recommends is StudySync.com, which has an extensive digital library composed of excerpts from classic and contemporary literature, poetry, short stories, famous speeches, and nonfiction texts. It has a built-in annotation tool students can use to highlight and create n o t e s , w h i c h a r e s a v e d i n their virtual binders. Study- S y n c a l s o h a s C o m m o n Core aligned assignments and writing prompts that encourage students to take their close readings of the online text and apply what they've learned. "This creates an incentive for students to read closely and t h i n k d e e p ly, b e c a u s e t h e y know they will have to apply that information." Another favorite is Diigo. com. "Students click a hyper- link on our class website and go directly to the article I want them to read and annotate. On their device, they can upload the Diigo toolbar so they can easily annotate anything they read online. There is even a Diigo Chrome extension for students using a Chrome browser." With Diigo, which is free, students can highlight in several colors and write notes as they read, automatically saving their annotations to their Diigo accounts. When they are done reading and annotating, they can click "share" and send their annota- tions to Tucker. Tucker may be a digital pioneer, but her school is using text- books for most subjects and no e-books at all. She is nonetheless committed to helping students think deeply about what they read online and creating opportunities for them to engage with information on a screen. "I'm not a fan of standardized tests, but I don't want students to sit down and struggle with computerized tests. I want them to feel confident about reading digital material. It's about building confidence and cultivating a skill set that will prepare them for the future." To be successful students need to develop reading stamina and practice navigating the tools embedded in the computerized exams. Teaching ideas Learning 46 www.cta.org WI15-3045 CCTC Approved Reading and Literacy Added Authorization extension.ucsd.edu/education UC San Diego Extension offers the CCTC Approved Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (previously referred to as Reading Certificate) which is a comprehensive program of study that provides students with a solid foundation in the research and methods of reading instruction. The Reading and Literacy Added Authorization program is geared towards teachers with the potential to become leaders and mentors in the area of reading. It will provide educators with the right tools to improve student achievement. Program Highlights: • The program provides participants with the skills to develop a research-based program of reading instruction for implementation in their own classrooms or as a resource for other classroom teachers • This certificate is aligned with the requirements and standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). • 100% online To view credential requirements, the program FAQs and to download an application please visit our Reading Instruction at extension.ucsd.edu/teachreading UC San Diego Extension also offers accessible and affordable online programs for K-12 and Postsecondary Educators. • New courses begin every month • Most programs can be completed online within 1 year • Interactive, Research-Based Programs with Practical Classroom Application Programs include: • CCTC-Approved Clear Credential Program • CCTC Approved CLAD Through CTEL Program • College Counseling Specialized Certificate • Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Specialized Certificate • Teaching Adult Learners Professional Certificate • Teaching Online Certificate • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Professional Certificate • Professional Development/Salary Point Coursework For more information, please contact Morgan Appel, Director of Education at: (858) 534-9273 or mappel@ucsd.edu