Online Literature Circles: Engaging students in reading, writing and learning

Online Literature Circles provide an innovative way to engage Grade 6 - 12 students in literary discussions using Web 2.0 tools. Whether within a school, or by connecting learners across two or three distant classrooms, students in Online Literature Circles are focused on learning and their reading and writing achievement improves.

So what does an Online Literature Circle look like? Students choose from a selection of 6 – 8 books chosen with diversity in reading level, multicultural voice and interest in mind. Those reading the same text form a virtual book club as they write in Moodle discussion forums, and demonstrate their understanding in student-produced podcasts or videos. Students exercise "choice and voice" in which text they select, which questions they respond to, and frame their own learning conversations.  Online Literature Circles meet the needs of the diverse range of today's classrooms. Chats and a “Virtual Coffeehouse” forum connect learners socially with purpose. Collaborative projects and idea-making ignite creativity. And all this, while students from classrooms in rural and urban settings connect to talk about books, and respond to thoughtful teacher and student-initiated questions. Online Literature Circles extend the boundaries of brick and mortar English/Language Arts classrooms, and enhance distance learning environments alike!

Assessment for Learning and best literacy practices are embedded into the instructional design of Online Literature Circles. Peer and self assessment, Online Learning Journals, and rich exemplars of student work in Moodle forums underpin the pedagogical power of Online Lit Circles. Students love them!

You'll learn how to create thoughtful discussion forum questions, how to use self and peer assessment to enhance Online Lit Circle learning, and how to set up an Online Lit Circle step by step. Lists of lit circle texts will be shared. Connections with other educators interested in setting up Online Literature Circles will be fostered. Join in for a fun and practical session about enhancing literacy.