Billy Collins is one of my favorite poets. His poetry is known for an infusion of humor and keen observations. I chose a poem that is a celebration of spring and chose to remediate it in a way that adds shade to the sunniness of the poem.
Reflection on the use of Padlet for the classroom: Padlet is a simple online bulletin board that is free and user friendly. I think it would be a great digital tool for students to explore textual analysis and remediation. Students can work individually on a project or in a group. In addition to the affordances just listed, it is a tool that is easily modified. A teacher can create a Padlet about a certain topic and keep the wall open so students can add information, videos, links, and comments. For example, a teacher who wants to teach text analysis can start a wall with a text, and ask students to add analyses and interpretations. Then the teacher could start another wall and have students post images they think remediate the the analyses and interpretations on the text Padlet. I could see making a game of this! Put students into groups and ask them to match the remedation image to the an analysis or interpretation on the first Padlet. This could model what is meant by text analysis and remediation. Then the students could get into groups and discuss the process, ask questions, and take a deep dive into how remediation can shift perspectives. Students need a little practice with the concept before jumping into creating text analysis and remediation themselves. Finally, students can embark on their own Padlet of text analysis and remediation. I wouldn’t stop with the Padlet, I would make a short presentation part of the assignment. Have the students defend their analysis and remediation. The lesson encompases a number of imporant skills: critical thinking, collaboration, use of technology, defending an argument, presentation skills, and thinking outside the box. We teachers want to foster creativity in the classroom while learning important skills, and I think using Padlet is a creative way to teach text analysis and remediation.
Using Technology for Student Success 