11.2: Grammar checkers & Mid-term discussion & Research Essay

We started class with the "Animator v Animation" video - and used it as a prompt to pick up some of the issues raised in the Selfe & Selfe discussion of the politics of the interface.  We speculated about how the videos critiqued the operating system, the programs on the desktop - and the program the chosen one escaped from.  We paid particular attention to the visual representations and what they showed about how users feel about, interpret and re-interpret images/print messages/icons/spatial relationships/actions etc set up in computer spaces.  We observed that in some ways this was a "hybrid" text that connected gaming and composing programs/practices.

The MSGC group then presented an overview of McGee & Ericsson's essay.
As noted in the study guide - some of the essays main points were that:

• grammar checkers were created by computer programmers - NOT writing teachers
• grammar checker's constant interruptions, imposition of authority (taking authority from the composer) and rule-based corrections go against best practices for teaching writing
• grammar checkers and most of MS software is designed for business (rather than teaching) agendas

They asked us to think about what a grammar checker with student writers in mind would look like, and directed us to the author's suggestions about how writing teachers can "deal with" MSGC.

We then participated in an exercise to see what MSGC did and didn't notice in terms of the 20 most frequent errors in college writing, and explored the MS options



 Mid-term exam:  We discussed the mid-term exam - and hopefully we addressed all questions, misgivings and confusions.  As discussed in class, if you were satisfied with your grade for the first essay, you are not required to write this one.  Send the completed exam to the course email as an attachment before class on or before Friday, November 11, at midnight.    I will not accept late essays this time; failure to turn the 11/11. midterm essay in on time will mean your grade will reflect your performance on the first mid-term exam.  .


Research essay:  We reviewed the assignment sheet and talked about how to identify and sharpen a research question.  If you have questions about or would like additional support getting started on your research essay - schedule a conference during my office hours:M 12:15 –3:15 pm; T 4:30– 6:00 pm;  W 1:45 - 3:30; Th 12:15 - 2:00 pm.  N


Notes on the mid-term discussion, and on the research essay discussion (very short) are posted at the end of this entry.
                     
                        

For  next class:

Read:  Eldred (239)
Write: a research question - and a short discussion of how you plan to pursue your research.
Turn in your Mid-term exam by Friday, November 11.

During  class,  we will talke about "Pedagogy in the Computer-networked Classroom" and do the study guide group's activity.  Then each of you will make a short presentation on your research questions - and the class (and I) will provide feedback).