Variable Learning Contexts

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On the Monster Exchange Web site, kids draw wild creatures and then describe them in words for others to recreate from their description. Monster Exchange Web Site (WinStar for Education, MindsEye Curriculum Project) {http://www.win4edu.com/minds-eye/monster/} Netscape Communicator browser window © 1999 Netscape Communications Corporation. Used with permission.

With the flash of the World Wide Web, it is sometimes easy to forget the power of plain vanilla e-mail, a highly motivating writing context. Students exchange e-mail with each other at a rapid rate, producing much more writing than they otherwise would. Web sites can also generate ongoing e-mail exchanges and stimulate writing. For example, at the Monster Exchange Web site, students draw wild monsters and then describe them in words. Correspondents read the descriptions and generate their own drawings from the text. Both motivating and fun, this exercise builds concise writing and careful reading skills.