STAR-W Writing Prompts with
Contribute and Response-O-Matic

This example assumes you have your own web server and are using Contribute to manage it.

Download the template to your computer by Right-Clicking on this link and selecting Save Target As...  On a Mac, Ctrl-Click and select Download Link to Disk. (If you accidentally or intentionally left click on it, you will display the page and see what the template looks like before it is edited.)   Once you have it on your computer, it's a good idea to make a few copies of it.  This template has code in it that allows you to use the Internet site, Response-O-Matic.com to process your form.

At this point you will need a way of getting the template up to the web site area you are managing with Contribute.  If you have access and can upload, that's great.  Go ahead and do it.  If not, you will have to get the file to your system administrator and have him upload it and give you the URL.

When you are ready to create a writing prompt, knowledge hunt, or other activity, start Contribute and go to the URL of the template.  Select New Page > Copy of Current Page, give the page a name and begin your editing.  It's important that you use Copy of the Current Page, because you want to keep the template as it will be used for all future activities. (People often make the mistake of editing the template.  That's why I suggested downloading extra copies.)

Now add your text, links, and pictures.   Delete any text box you will not be using, being careful not to delete the Send to Teacher button.  

When you are done, click on Save for Later.  You have your new activity, but if you publish it, there is no link to it from another page on your site.  You have to go to a page that you have already created and make a link to the activity you just created.  The name and location of that page will be dependent on what you have already created at the web site and I am making the assumption that you know how to create that link. 

Adding links to your project is a snap.   You can use the hyperlink feature Contribute to turn any text into a link to an Internet site.   When you create the link, be sure to  click on the Advanced tab and set the Target Frame to New Window.  That way when the student clicks on the link it will open in a new window.  They can explore, get information, close the window and be right back at your activity.

Adding pictures can be done through the Insert menu or the image icon of Contribute, or you can copy and paste the picture right into the document, but remember to observe copyright laws and follow fair use guidelines.