I came across a website that offers much in the way of learning about current events. It's at http://www.change.org
At this site, one can create,view, and sign current petitions that will be sent to representatives at all levels of government.
This site has a lot of potential for the instructional integration of higher-order thinking skills (interpretation, cause & effect, rationalization, and debate to name a few).
Those studying history, sociology, psychology, and politics could glean much from Change.org. We've heard occasional stories of students who've created petitions for causes about which they are passionate. This site adds leverage to those who are thinking of drafting a petition.
Who knows? Maybe the representatives will read and listen; perhaps even invite students to speak at a house meeting when legislators are in session.
What better way to seamlessly integrate collaboration, technology and writing across the curriculum; for a practical, real-world reason, using 21st Century technology?
