Tech-Savvy Recommendation Letters

Stephanie Satcher

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Tech-Savvy Recommendation Letters

Use tech tools for recommendation letters

In this lesson, students will explore how technology can aid in writing and formatting recommendation letters. They will learn about various tools and software that streamline the writing process and enhance the presentation of these letters. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios, especially as they prepare for college applications and job opportunities.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Use tech tools for recommendation letters

Materials

Computers or tablets with internet access, Projector or smartboard, Worksheet: Tech Tools for Recommendation Letters, and Discussion: Benefits of Technology in Writing

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of recommendation letters in college and job applications.
Ask students if they have ever written or requested a recommendation letter.

Step 2

Exploration of Tools

15 mins

Introduce students to various online tools and software that can assist in writing recommendation letters, such as Grammarly, Google Docs templates, and Canva.
Demonstrate how to use one or two tools using a projector or smartboard.

Step 3

Hands-On Activity

15 mins

Distribute the worksheet 'Tech Tools for Recommendation Letters'.
Allow students to explore the tools on their devices and complete the worksheet.
Encourage students to try formatting a sample recommendation letter using one of the tools.

Step 4

Discussion

5 mins

Conduct a discussion using the 'Benefits of Technology in Writing' questions.
Encourage students to share their experiences and thoughts on using technology for writing.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
Highlight the importance of using technology to enhance the quality and presentation of recommendation letters.
Assign a short task: Ask students to draft a recommendation letter using one of the tools explored and bring it to the next class for peer review.

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Worksheet

Tech Tools for Recommendation Letters

This worksheet guides students through exploring various tech tools that can aid in writing and formatting recommendation letters.

List three online tools that can help in writing recommendation letters.

Consider tools for grammar checking, formatting, and design.

Choose one tool and describe how it can improve the quality of a recommendation letter.

Think about features like templates, grammar suggestions, or design options.

Discussion

Benefits of Technology in Writing

This discussion focuses on the advantages of using technology in writing recommendation letters, encouraging students to think critically about the tools they explored.

What are some benefits of using technology to write recommendation letters?

Consider aspects like efficiency, accuracy, and presentation.

Can technology replace the personal touch in recommendation letters? Why or why not?

Discuss the balance between technology and personal input.