For today's tech snack, I would like to share an online tool that can help students practice effective paraphrasing.
Today's tech snack can be found at the following url:
https://commons.wvc.edu/library/Conference%20Presentations/paraphrase.htm
What is it and how can I use it with my students?
This tech snack is a web based tool that was created by the Wenatchee Valley College to make paraphrasing a more concrete concept. This tool is browser based which means it will work on any Internet enabled device via any online browser like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. Students do not need a username/password to access this tool, nor do they need to download and install any corresponding app.
The tool is very simple to use. Students simply copy and paste an existing passage from either a website or word document into the first box. They can also type the passage directly in that box. In the second box, students will then type in their paraphrased version of the passage. As students add words to the box, any words that are the exact same words as the first passage will appear in different colors in a third box. The more words that are color-coded, the more the paraphrased passage is too much like the original.
This is a very visual tool, that will help students grasp the idea of paraphrasing. When students have completed their paraphrased passage, they can simply cut and paste their passage into their research papers and provide the correct citation. This is a tool that can be used with students in grades 8 and up. This is an ideal tool for high school students and college students who are still learning how to write research papers.
When you introduce this tool to students, it may be helpful to have them practice their paraphrasing skills by giving them some sample passages to paraphrase. Some quality sample passages may be found at the following url:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/28/12/33
The more students practice paraphrasing, the better they will become at it. Be sure to give them multiple opportunities to use this tool by putting it on your faculty website or as a resource on your school’s learning management system.
Ah, a simple, free and practical tool! This one will definitely be staying on the Tech Snacks menu!