My questions come from Yancey's address and are more on the reflective side.
Yancey discusses writing publics that exist outside the classroom (blogs, email, instant messaging, etc.) and that students identify themselves as members of these writing publics but do not necessarily identify as members of the writing public inside the classroom. She called for a curriculum revision that includes these genres and to consider the technology necessary to stay relevant in the field.
1. I was wondering what experiences as students and/or teachers everyone has had with regards to integrating these genres and technology into the writing classrooms. In other words, it has been 13 years since this address and I would like to hear about what has changed and what has stayed the same?
2. Do you feel we are effectively embracing these new genres, and how large of a focus do you think it should it be within our classrooms?
Tricia, I think in many ways we are embracing these new genres. I do not see them as huge changes in classrooms, but progress is being may nonetheless. An example that comes to mind immediately from undergrad experience is a professor having us write a collection of blog entries in lieu of standard reading responses and she encouraged us to add pictures, memes, and videos to go along with what I called journal entries in a blog format. I think we as future teachers will have to be creative in order to effectively conjoin these new technological genres. I do not nessasarily believe that it should be everything we do in a classroom, there is something to be said for a writing exercise with good ole' paper and pencil. However, I do see the value and recognize the necessity to courage students to think critically and broadly regarding writing, genres, and writing mediums.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristy - I completely agree. I love the integration and engagement that technology brings to the classroom and yet also love a good old fashion writing assignment. I have noticed that the use of technology helps my more unmotivated writers. They seem to engage in the digital writing platforms because it is a familiar "playground".
ReplyDeleteHi Tricia,
ReplyDeleteI think the topic of new, flashy, hip, genres, and composition comes at a sort of ironic moment for us and our group. I agree completely with your comments on how students and their use of technology is a growing phenomenon. It's funny because we sort of had a hands on example when we had to manage a new technology in order to clarify our group infographic on the Web 2.0 article. Some of the members of our group were familiar and others not so much. This situation makes me think of Yancey's argument and wonder if the medium can also effect a student's willingness to participate? Obviously, we had an awesome group and very much shared in a collaborative effort. But, what would that have been like for a different group of students?
Thanks Tricia,
Jeannine