"PlotBot is a very helpful application for screenwriters. Users can create a script on their own, with a partner or as a group. PlotBot works much like web based text editors. Each user can add their content and updates to the document. The application records each user’s addition or change so they can be removed if necessary. PlotBot also manages the formatting of the script so the user can focus on the action, dialogue and other creative elements. The application is accessible in numerous languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, even a comical “pirate” language. Users can also choose to set their projects to private for exclusive access or public so anyone can view and participate" ("Plotbot -," 2011). PlotBot contains an interactive tutorial called the Sandbox. The Sandbox is like a mini-project which will not publish to the public or take up one of the two free private projects users are given. The Sandbox allows users to learn how to use the program without feeling as though they are diving into the full-blown project; however, users can convert their mini-project from the Sandbox into a project with one click. PlotBot is available for free at http://www.plotbot.com/Literacy and Technology?
PlotBot could help students develop their literacy skills through post-reading activities, including evaluating (i.e. form opinions, make judgments, and develop ideas after reading) and creating projects/artifacts (i.e. create a project or artifact as a culminating activity that illustrates what they have learned). PlotBot could also help students develop their literacy skills through during writing activities (e.g. drafting/composing, revising, editing, responding, conferencing) and post-writing activities (e.g. sharing, publishing, evaluating, presentation, and performance). With regards to writing genres, students could develop their literacy skills in narrative, creative, and transactional genres. Through PlotBot, students are even able to develop their technology literacy skills by demonstrating "creative thinking in the design and development of innovative technology products and problem solving" as well as collaborating "with peers, experts, and others using interactive technology" ("Technology literacy 6-8," 2009).
When I student taught Romeo & Juliet to freshmen English Language Arts students, I wish I would have known about PlotBot. Not only would students have been exposed to analyzing and comprehending a screenplay, but they could have also had the opportunity to further their understanding of a screenplay through the development of their own screenplay. I would have had my students work in groups of 2-4 to either expand upon a scene, change the happenings in a particular scene, or create an alternative ending for Romeo & Juliet. I believe this activity would help students develop their literacy skills in post-reading (e.g. evaluating and creating projects/artifacts), during writing (e.g. drafting/composing, revising, editing, responding, conferencing), and post-writing (e.g. sharing, publishing, evaluating, presentation, and performance). Through a collaborating writing assignment, students would also develop skills in active and tolerant listening, helping one another in mastering content, giving and receiving constructive criticism, and managing disagreements."Students could be reading a book in class and could write out a chapter into a screenplay and then act out the chapter. It would also be a great resource for any class that has students creating movies or Podcasts. This would enable students to write the script and storyboard before creating their final product. This could also be used for a drama class for writing scripts to be performed. An additional possibility for this resource is for students who are re-enacting historical events. Students can work together to plan outlines for historical characters before bring the characters to life" (Irish & Wood, 2011).
More ideas?eHow provides a comprehensive list of additional screenwriting tools, including Scripped, PlotBot, Scriptbuddy, and Celtx. This list describes each tool and what type of screenwriting it would be best used for (Hose, 2011). How to Write Screenplays Online
References
Hose, C. (2011). How to write screenplays online. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_5038519_write-screenplays-online.html
Irish, S., & Wood, A. (2011). Web 2.0 educator tools - plotbot. Retrieved from http://www.webtwotools.com/plotbot.html
Plotbot - web-based collaborative screenwriting software. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.appappeal.com/app/plotbot/
Star & Brad (2009). Plotbot. Retrieved from http://www.plotbot.com/
Technology literacy 6-8. (2009). Retrieved from http://iowacorescience.pbworks.com/w/page/8866875/Technology Literacy 6-8
I think this tool really help students who are studying plays or English dramas. I also like your idea to have students work in groups and students can learn from each other and learn how to cooperate with their peers. After students finish making a podcast or movie, it is exciting to see their growth. To the students, it is a sense of achievement.
ReplyDeleteI really like your thoughts on what you would have done differently now with your Freshmen English class. Wouldn't that be interesting for them to rewrite the scene, etc. and do it using a format that is true to the type of writing that it is! Nice find!
ReplyDeleteI've participated in, and viewed, several class re-writes of Romeo and Juliet, and I have never thought about the idea of using a screenplay as the genre for the rewrite (seems like it's always been in the traditional 'drama' format). Needless to say that's an excellent idea, and I plan on "stealing" it! I normally view screenplays some of my friends write via CeltX, and upon further review I would prefer they use PlotBot for the sake of simplicity and accessibility.
ReplyDelete