Sway in ELA

Spring Break is here! I’m setting myself for a writing challenge: 9 posts in 9 days! First up, a tool for any mode of writing!

Digital Tool: Sway
Publisher: Microsoft Office 365
Device: Any! (Although the app is needed for video files)
Type: publish or present
Similar to: a webpage but can be used like PPT
Features I love: Students can collaborate on the same Sway and embed documents

Template:

Create a template in Sway and share it so anyone with the link can view. Then have students save the Sway in their own Office 365 account. They will be able to edit it once it is their own.

 Writing Modes:

Expository:

Have a research project for students that includes a lot of extras? Sway embeds pretty much anything! From Tweets to Excel to other Sways, Sway not only creates a visually stunning final product, but also one that is perfect for any sort of long range project. Group research? Have students collaborate on the same Sway!

Persuasive:

Argumentative writing and media literacy tend to go hand-in-hand. Students drawing ads, making a persuasive commercial, or creating their own infographics? They can embed media files with ease. If they draw by hand, have them take a picture with an iPad and upload into a Sway. Because it is device agnostic, students can switch back and forth between iPad, computer, their BYOD or home device.

Narrative:

Sway allows students to create a link or QR code, which allows for an amazing way to publish. Students can incorporate drawn pictures or photos for creative or personal narrative. Have them print out the QR code and shorten the link and post to classroom or lockers.

Poetry:

Create a poetry anthology! Create a classroom Sway for students to contribute to or for more prolific poetry units, each student creates his or her own portfolio.

Writing Process:

Conferencing: Students can create QR codes or post links to their draft typed in Sway. Others can fill out an online feedback sheet.

Publishing: This is the tool for you!

Accessibility:

Do you have students who need high contrast, no animation, and/or screen readers? With Accessibility check – something you can use to modify your Sway to be more accessible – and accessibility view – something anyone can enact when viewing a Sway.