Bugnitz

MixedInk in the High School Library

Kristin Bugnitz
Technology Summary:
Mixed Ink is a Web 2.0 tool for collaborative writing tasks. Users write on a given topic,
contributing original submissions, editing the work of others, and mixing new versions
utilizing excerpts from peer submissions. Users then critique and rate different versions of the
group text, coming to a consensus to identify and publish the best version.
Rationale:
Often group writing projects lack structure and accountability, particularly when using web tools
such as Wikis or Google Docs. MixedInk offers a way for school librarians and teachers to
facilitate group writing with an unlimited number of simultaneous users; track individual student
contributions; and provide structure to collaborative writing tasks. Additionally MixedInk
prompts students to become self-aware writers and critical readers of others work.
Lesson Summary:
Using an interactive web guide, learners will explore MixedInk and its potential uses in the
school library. Then learners will use the web guide to participate in an example group-writing
task on the relevant topic of collaborative learning.
Lesson Length: 45 minutes
Analyze Learners
While 9-12 school library professionals may have a wide variety of experiences with technology and
online content creation, todays effective educator is always on the lookout for new and engaging
ways to help students learn collaboratively. Educators have a need for free web tools that facilitate
information literacy and student accountability. School librarians are typically experienced with
distance learning, as most are one of few, if not the only, school library professionals in their
districts. As a result, many are familiar with the challenges of working collaboratively at a distance.
State Objectives
The learner will demonstrate the ability to create a MixedInk project.
The learner will demonstrate the ability to participate in a MixedInk project.
The learner will give examples how MixedInk supports student learning in the high school library.
Select Strategies, Technology, Media, and Materials
1. This lesson uses a web guide to introduce learners to MixedInk and its features.
2. Smore will be used to create the web guide and link learners to the MixedInk instructional task.
Smore is a Web 2.0 tool allowing users to create web flyers integrating text, images, video, and
audio.
3. The instructor will create the web guide using Smore and set up the instructional task using
MixedInk. This format allows for learners to explore MixedInk and its uses using a variety of media.
This web guide is a one-stop guide, created to help educators get started using MixedInk.

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Utilize Media, Materials, and Methods

1. The instructor will preview MixedInk and the project creation process.
2. The instructor will create an instructional document guiding learners through the tutorial (See
Attachment 1). The instructor will create a web guide introducing MixedInk, incorporating video
tutorials to assist learners in setting up a class and creating a sample project. The web guide will also
be used as a reference for completing the instructional task. A MixedInk project will be created to
allow learners to practice participating in a sample project.
3. This lesson is adaptable to in person and distance learners. A computer with Internet access is
required for each learner.
4. To prepare the learners, the teacher will ask them to visit MixedInk and sign up for a free account.
5. Once MixedInk accounts have been set up, the instructor will direct participants to the web guide
to review MixedInk, its uses, and the necessary steps to creating a project.
Require Learner Participation (Instructional Tasks)
1. Learners will create free MixedInk accounts. (<5 min)
2. Learners will review the web guide to learn about MixedInks features. (10 min)
3. Learners will use the web guide to practice creating groups and group projects. (10 min)
4. Learners will use the web guide as a reference for participating in a group project on the topic of
collaborative learning in the school library. (20 min)
Evaluate & Revise
1. Learners will evaluate their individual levels of proficiency with MixedInk using a brief checklist
assessing whether the learning objectives have been met or if further review of the web guide is
needed. (See Attachment 2)

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Attachment 1--MixedInk in the High School Library

This tutorial will prepare you to use MixedInk, a collaborative writing platform, in the high
school library.

1. Set Up an Account
Visit http://www.mixedink.com and click on Free! Get started here.
Fill in the required information and click on Okay to get started.
2. Visit the MixedInk Web Guide
Open up a second browser window and visit the website below for the
MixedInk Web Guide.
https://www.smore.com/chpfc-mixedink-in-the-high-school-library
**Be sure to keep both browser windows open as you will use this web guide
to explore MixedInk and complete instructional tasks.**
3. Practice Using the Basic Functions of MixedInk In Your Own Account
Using the video tutorials available on the web guide, complete the
following tasks:
Create a Class
Create a Project
4. Participate In the Tutorial Writing Project
After viewing the Project Participant video, visit the tutorial project page
using the following link:
http://www.mixedink.com/#/MrsBugnitzLanguageArts1/Clpost
Write and submit an original or remixed blog post (100 words or less)
answering the assignment question:
What should be the role of collaborative learning in the school
library?
Click on the Browse and Rate tab and rate 1 or 2 other
submissions to Project page.
5. Explore Additional Resources
Visit some of the links in the Additional Resources section to learn more
about how to use MixedInk to support learning in the high school library.

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Attachment 2--MixedInk Tutorial Assessment

Congratulations! You have completed the MixedInk in the High School
Library tutorial! Please complete the following survey to assess your
learning.
Read the following statements and place an X next to the statements that
describe your level of ability.
_____I am able to log into my MixedInk account and view my Dashboard.
**For help, see the Set Up an Account section of the handout.**

_____I am able to create and view new classes.

**For help, see the Class Creation Using MixedInk video under the web guide
heading How do I set up a MixedInk project?**

_____I am able to create and view new projects.

**For help, see the Create Project Using Mixed Ink video under the web guide
heading How do I set up a MixedInk project?**

_____I am able to contribute to a project by either writing an original submission

or remixing previous submissions.
**For help, see the video under the web guide heading How Will Students/Teachers/
Parents/Administrators Participate?**

_____I am able to list 3 ways MixedInk can be used to support student learning.
1.
2.
3.
**For help, visit the Additional Resources section of the web guide.**