11.9 Computers in the classroom + research questions

We spent most of class today talking about how computers re-frame the teaching of writing in college classrooms.  We began by talking about 4 different approaches to teaching writing: in these 4 different approaches teachers focus on writing as a product, writing as a process, writing as critical social construction; writing as a public/networked/interactive practice.  We talked a little about differences in the kinds of assignments teachers might use for the different approaches, and how they might value writing differently.  I suggested you might want to think about how these four different approaches connect to the literacy theorists we have read so far.

The Eldred group presented their study guide - and then we did an experiment to see if we could "read" the language cues that connected to "classroom identities."  So what do you think?

We turned (or I directed ) much of the discussion from this chapter into a kind of reflective assessment on how technology (particularly the group work in google.docs) worked as a writing/learning tool in our class.  In some ways - this reflection underscored the need to take the steps that Eldred set forward in her essay.  At the same time - there were other factors in our classroom that undermined the effectiveness of our use of google-docs to create the study guides.  That was an interesting discussion  - maybe you might be writing some more about this for your final?

We spent the rest of the class talking through possible research questions for your essays.  I am hoping that the "samples" we talked through gave those of you who were listening some clear ideas about how to set up question that will support a strong essay.  If you would like to talk some more about your essay - send me an email to set up a conference.

For next week we will talk about hypertext and hyperattention.

Read: Hayles, posted; Williams, 469

Your midterms are due by Friday midnight.  If I do not recieve the essay by that time - you will receive the grade from your first midterm.

Good luck & see you next week.