Points of Praxis

My Blog Reflects on Visual Rhetorical Theory and Disability Rhetoric and their Connections to Classical and Contemporary Rhetorical Theory

Outline to a response on technology in comp classroom:

Of course, need to define "technology," first.  In Selfe and Hilligoss's Literacy and Computers, Ellen Barton discusses how technology is an instrument that enables writers to commence writing, such as pen, paper, book, pencil, computer program, keyboard, voice-recognition software...  Important distinction I believe b/c we typically only think of technology and composition as it relates to computers.  But...

Discussions of technology venture into accessibility--some Barton discusses in Literacy and Computers.  Dominant (popular media typically most vocal advocates), anti-dominant discourses (Rose and Lundsford to name two scholars interested in.)

In Irene Clark's book, electronic technology is very broad.  Word processing, invention software (like those Burns worked on), grammar tutorials, grammar and spell checkers (what so many often think of in regard to technology in the composition classroom), OWL's, hypertext, hypermedia, LAN (local area network) systems, WWW, course-management software (BB), student webpages, MOO's, and plagiarism detection websites and software.

Chris Anson points out and is noted in Clark's book that composition instructors often feel pressured to incorporate technology into their pedagogy without knowing why or how because of university pressures. 

What do I do:
Discussion Board and chat on BB--

Discussion board as a "brainstorming" or "pre-writing" on the subject of the papers.  Don't evaluate the writing--more for the experience of writing on topic than for writing academic prose. 

Chat--to discuss the readings once or twice a paper cycle (sometimes 2 or 3 times a semester) w/ everyone together in room.  Clark notes how synchronous learning environments like chat can take the focus off of the teacher to give the "right" answer and can encourage students to speak up.  Also, students seem more engaged b/c it's more "fun" it seems. 

Emig discussing in "Writing as a Mode of Learning" the difference b/t talking and writing and I think chat helps to bridge those gaps.  learning to communicate effectively and productively in a mode that might not be as familiar w/ students as academic "writing" but can...

posted by: rgregory at 17:18 | link | comments (2) |

Comments:

#1  29 December 2006 - 02:57

 

I think you both should take a couple of days off. Signed, the famous "T"

Mo'nonymous

#2  29 December 2006 - 04:22

 

T.,

You are too kind. I have a bit longer left to study. R. has certainly proved herself worthy of a few days off. She has been a life-saver for me--our dialogue (worthy of Socrates) has been instrumental in my linking ideas together!

AlisonR

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