Defective Binders: A Play by A Frustrated Teacher

A typical day in a 7th grade science class.  The students are working at their desk on a reccently assigned research project.  Mrs. Butcher is helping one particular student at his desk that is covered in crumpled papers.

Mrs. Butcher:  Messy Middle Schooler, I think you should take that binder there back to the store!

Messy Middle Schooler: Why?

Mrs. Butcher:  Because, it's the only binder that I have ever seen that crumples the papers that gets put in instead of keeping them nice and neat!

Messy Middle Schooler: Oh, (laughs) I guess that's true.

Mrs. Butcher:  Everyone knows this student!  Finally a binder that may work for them.  A binder that actually may motivate Messy Middle Schooler to say organized. 

(LiveBinders enter stage left with drum roll)

Mrs. Butcher: LiveBinders is a virtual binder online that is customizable for everyone.  Students can collect information in the form of websites, blogs, video clips, well almost anything on the Internet to put and organize into their binders.

Messy Middle Schooler: So, like, I can put in all the important info. and stuff for class in a binder online so I don't lose it.

Mrs. Butcher: Yep, you got it.  Now, I need you to research and collect information about the latest tsunami and earthquake in Japan.  Make sure you organize your information in easy to understand sections.

Messy Middle Schooler: Sweet! With LiveBinders even the biggest earthquake and tsunami won't mess up my papers!
. . . .
Okay so maybe this is how it would work in a perfect world, but hey can't a teacher dream.  I like the idea of using LiveBinders as an organization tool for middle schoolers during research projects.  LiveBinders could serve as a formative assessment on how the project is going for each student.  No more printing off a ton of copies for the students and since LiveBinders is accessible anywhere there is an Internet connection, no more excuse about leaving those papers in their locker!


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References

Hertz, M.B.  Summer PD: A Primer on Compiling Digital Resources.  Retrieved July 1, 2011 from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/tools-manage-digital-resources-mary-beth-hertz?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader