http://www.classtools.net/SMS/
What is it?
This online tool allows you to create fake SMS conversations with two characters.(SMS is short for Short Message Service-which is technically the correct term for the word texting.) This tool allows users to create fictional text message exchanges between fictional and or historical characters. The tool is free and does not require students to log-in. All they need to start using the tool is the url address.
When students have the url address, they just click on either speech bubble icon and enter a message. To create a reply just click the other speech bubble icon and enter a new message. You can make the exchange as long as you like.
To edit the conversation, the creator of the conversation has to click on the edit button then put type their password.
Implications for the classroom
With this tool, you can have students imagine what a text conversation between two characters(historical or fictional) would be like. It really allows for students to be creative and make learning more student-centered. Using this tool makes content more relevant because students would be using a tool that is geared more towards their familiarity.
Students can create their conversations and then e-mail the urls of their conversations to their teacher or to their classmates. (Or you can share all urls on a class website). With the individual urls, anyone can see the conversations, they just can't edit the conversations(unless they have the password). I wish you could actually print out the conversations, but unfortunately you can't.
Hey, snacks don't have to be perfect do they? Still a tasty tidbit for thinking outside the box. Until we meet again in the Tech Snack Cafe....