How I Use It
This app creates a place for information, and my middle school students are much more likely to be prolific if they can type on their devices than if they have to write in their notebooks. I use WeKWL at the beginning of the unit for the students to record what they know already about a topic and to record questions they have. Mid-unit, the students record what they are learning and the evidence (lectures, simulations, videos, readings, etc.) from where they have gained this knowledge. This helps them be thoughtful about their learning and discuss it with one another. The app is extremely easy to use, and the students pick up on the features immediately.
Teachers know that it is crucial for students to think about what they are learning--they come to us with prior knowledge that needs to be activated, and they have further questions. In addition, as they study material, their learning is more profound if they have a chance to synthesize the information from lectures, videos, labs, other activities, and reading. The WeKWL chart provides a platform for students to put all of this information. In small groups, they discuss what they are learning and what they still need to find out. They input this information on the chart and can share it with others.