Writing in High-tech
MHS-Central Campus students write children’s books using computer applications
By Andrea Johnson
Staff Writer
Children’s storybooks went high tech last semester in a computer applications class at Minot High School-Central Campus.
Freshmen and sophomores in the classes wrote their own children’s stories, sought out art work from free clip art on Internet Web sites, and then recorded them using iPods. Teacher Sandi Larson said the recordings are featured on the Central Campus Web site.
Student Keelee Foster wrote a children’s story called “Mean Mr. Alligator and Little Monkey,” which, like other stories, was accompanied by a graphic she found on the Internet. The stories were printed out and laminated as well.
The funny monkey picture was one of the things she liked best about her story.
Freshman Deanna Morin said she read her book to her little brother, who liked it because she put his name in the title.
Larson said she had also intended that students read their children’s books aloud to a class of young children, but ran out of time during the fall semester.
Two sections of the class were held.
The final writing project, which was one of the most popular with the students, gave Larson a chance to teach creative writing in the Internet age, but she also covered other topics.
Students learned that they couldn’t just lift graphics off any site, but had to make sure they were not subject to copyright law.
Students learned how to conduct Internet research at the same time they learned how to use the cool-looking iPods to record an accompaniment to the text and graphics.
The students also tried out voice recognition software in the class and were given a chance to put entries on Web logs, or blogs.
“It was a great class,” said freshman Alex Wohl, who demonstrated use of the voice recognition software. When he spoke into a machine, text appeared on the screen. It is technology that is helpful for the disabled.
Larson said students also did other assignments such as creating spread sheets and writing letters.