Using+Online+Argumentation

Downloads
Once you have downloaded the file you have chosen, drag it into iTunes for viewing/listening or to move it to your iPod.
 * Download the **video** version from  ... NOT available for this presentation.
 * Download the **audio only** version from [|this link].

Discussion
Share your thoughts and ideas about the **Using Online Argument Role-Play** presentation below. Here's our essential question: What can we take from the presentation into our classroom? (Add your name to the end of your thoughts as a written record of your participation.)

~I agree that if students are invested in the topic they are to write about in a persuasive manner, they will be more invested. Being that this presenter was talking about a composition class, I take it that he would have more time/availability using technology in his class. Less blocked sites, more time for "blogging", etc. I disagree with him in that I make my students use three examples from literature, history, or society to back their views on any topic. Anyhow, I do see how having a smaller class with more time would allow for more creative ways to teach the art of persuasion.~Colette Hill

Conducting online argument gives the students audience, helping them to develop a voice in their writing. In a well-structured activity, they become accustomed to seeing issues from differing perspectives, which gives them a fuller view of the topic at hand. This approach has numerous possibilities for Comp & Comm, perhaps as a way of getting the kids to think differently about persuasion before they undertake the paper. - Scott

When students are true stakeholders in the lesson, it makes it easier to write persuasively, or write in any form for that matter. It was interesting how the speaker discussed having sites available to students that normally would be restricted. My worry is students would take advantage of that in an inappropriate way. However, it is possible that if these sites were not restricted, students, over time, would be able to handle them in a productive manner. While a small class might make it easier to facilitate the use of technology for role-playing, a class still needs to be large enough, say at least 10, for it to be productive. Some of the classes in the special education setting are so small that an argumentative role play may not really work. That being said, this could be done in collaboration between one or more classes. Some of my students in special education seem to have a difficult time backing up their ideas. It would be interesting to give the argumentative role playing a try in the future. That could really help my students. – K. Emrich Posted Feb 16, 2009 12:58 pm
 * || [|kemrich1]

I agree with a lot of what everyone has said. When you can make anything more relevant to the kids it always works better. Kids love the idea of arguing and this idea would work in a more structured way. This would also be a useful skill for them now and in the future. This would be great for Comp/Comm teachers to try to implement. It would be hard in classes of 25 to 30 kids. So if we were ever lucky enough to get a class of 10 or 15 kids, this would be something I'd definitely want to try and use. -Koren McKay ||