BP8 Web2.0Tool- Protagonize

Okay guys, so I decided after hours of searching to go for a different type of tool here.  I decided that the intent of each one of us searching independently was to really contribute to our “community” and I felt that this was one that could really be of benefit.  Protagonize is an application that truly encourages collaboration and feedback amongst writers.  If you have followed my blog even in part, you have picked up on the fact that I have some experience with some reluctant learners and that I teach multiple subjects.  What I have not shared with you is that I love to teach English as it is a subject that my students are more “reluctant” to approach or open up in, and yet I found the most success in terms of accessing my students true selves. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

Okay so on to Protagonize, like many of the web 2.0 tools that I am sure you are all familiar with, it is FREE.  Unlike the past few tools I have introduced you to, this is far more dimensional.  The application encourages multi-level participation which is welcoming for tech savvy and ‘newbies’ like myself. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

As I know that a few of my colleagues have an interest in literacy, I was intrigued to find the depth at which this application promotes the fundamentals of good writing.  The ‘Planning and Brainstorming’ feature promotes an author to investigate individual “storyboard, outline, annotate, draft, and discuss (a) work's plot, characters, setting, history, intrigue” etc.  There is also a section to warm up and read other writers’ stories, poetry, suggest writing exercises, to read what is popular, what is new and what is “orphaned”.  At first, I have to admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the options, but when I put the choices in light of my teaching, my apprehension changed to excitement. 

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

For all the secondary and post-secondary educators out there, this is an amazing resource.  It combines the collaborative forums of groups, tracking and feedback that many of the effective web 2.0 tools offer and gear it all toward the writer and the process.  Other features include creating a profile, tracking of comments, invite of friends, activity updates, and topic specific groups.  The language used is extremely comfortable, which for my high school students would be a big draw-in.  The text speaks directly to you and is somewhat informal, inviting those who may be intimidated by the writing process; which is all too often presented in a rule-based and uppity fashion.  The help center supports the user with an FAQ section addressing nearly 65 common questions.  If that is not enough, there is a handy button, always available labeled “Umm, I need help” directing you to further question topics or active support discussions.  User helping user is a big self-help skill I encourage in my classroom and is being echoed in many of the web 2.0 tools out there.

Photo retrieved from http://www.protagonize.com/help/media#media-screenshots on August 17, 2010

I feel like I can not describe it better than they do themselves…” Protagonize.com is a creative writing community dedicated to writing various forms of collaborative, interactive fiction. One author writes a story, and others post branches or chapters to it in different directions. The result is an organic, evolving story where everyone can participate.”

Huge fan and have not fully immersed myself yet, once again if I have not sold you yet here is the LINK for yourself.