Laurie's+Response


 * Homework #1**

**Identify the ideas presented in these pages that intrigue you most and talk about why:** I was interested in several of the ideas, especially "literate citizenship," the "array of tech skills," and "multi-modal writing," as a start.

I think these ideas intrigue me most because the first two really resonated with what I have observed in my classrooms. I guess I am intrigued by the third because I see the potential there, though I am not sure how to implement it. I frequently vacillate between wanting to move forward to try new things and wanting to do what I've done before that was successful. I evaluate my practices every semester, but sometimes I feel like I might try something because it's new or trendy only to find out that, in practice, it was a waste of time. I don't like doing that.

However, I have used new technologies in my classes to positive effect, and I know that today's college students have changed from those of just a few years ago. I want to stay current, and I want to engage them, so I aspire to engage them in ways they can enjoy. I don't think it needs to be all about feeding their technology addictions either. It's a fine line for me. So I continue to want to examine what's available and then explore these technologies to see if I could fit them in my classes. YES! And that is why we are here :)

**What areas of your curriculum do you want to revise with a tech component?** An easy first answer is my Moodle gradebook, which I abandoned a year ago due to an evil glitch.

A second answer would be class forum or wiki writing, for instance like the class summary writing that was discussed in //BDWM//. I could do something like that with my English 40 class, but I'm not sure how hard it would be to set up. I could also utilize the multi-modal presentations in my English 100, 40, and 480 classes. I have allowed my students this freedom in the past, but only some of them have really utilized it. I feel like they would take advantage of the offer if I had a space and some links ready to get them started. What do you mean by take advantage? OR

**If you are uncertain, with which areas of your curriculum are you currently dissatisfied? What in your practice is making you unhappy, and how might a technology component make you happy?** Additionally, a technology component could make me happy if it saved me time and stress.

**Homework #2**

"If we engage students in real writing tasks and we use technology in such a way that it complements their innate need to find purposes and audiences for their work, we can have them engaged in a digital writing process that focuses first on the writer, then on the writing, and lastly on the technology...shift our attention from the technology back to the writer..." (59).

When I first read the assignment, I underlined this quote because it really struck me. I think I still have a nagging grudge against certain technologies for several reasons. First, I often feel that I have to put in a great deal of work for very little benefit. Second, I sometimes get the feeling that I have to put on a new show every semester to capture the attentions of individuals who have almost lost the ability to focus, therefore dooming myself to the task of continually pulling tricks out of my magic tech bag to see what grabs them. Third, I believe the focus SHOULD be on the writing and not the technology, but with some programs, it certainly does not seem like it works that way.

Like most teachers, I don’t need more work. I don’t want to put in hours figuring out how to use a technology that will not be worth the effort for my students. I also don’t have the spare class time to teach them how to use it (for those who don’t already know). Any new technologies must be worth the front end time taken, and they must be worthwhile to the writing process. I dislike learning something that is fun and trendy, only to find that it is not practical in the writing classroom. On the other hand, finding a technology that not only makes my life easier but greatly appeals to and aids the students is worth quite a bit.

**Homework #3**

I was very interested in the info about E-Portfolios that started on page 108. Here at HSU, we have been using a portfolio system for many years, but we are definitely talking about E-Portfolios. They sound like a very creative idea, and I have been curious about the implementation of a program that would allow them.I also wonder about resistance to such a program; I imagine there would be some.

The four-part framework included (starts on page 109) provided some very insightful commentary for setting up this kind of system. It seems to me this would be a very diverse and well rounded manner of assessing a student's ability, and it would not play to just one style of learning or creating. I'd like to learn a lot more about E-Portfolios.


 * Homework #4 **

What questions or concerns do you have about the following topics?

I don't have too many questions about fair use and copyright. I visit Creative Commons, but I assume that everything else I'm doing is illegal. No really. We all need to give credit where credit is due - always. And we should pass that on to our students. Citations and links to online sources are mandatory.
 * Fair Use/Copyright
 * Privacy
 * Logistics and Access
 * Etiquette and Guidelines

Privacy? I gave it up when I started my Facebook in 2007. Stalk me if you will. I am a 46 year old mother of two, so it's not too exciting. I am fortunate that my students are adults (who of course must follow HSU rules) so I don't have to worry about posting pictures of children on the internet.

Logistics and access...this one I think about when considering a platform for my class. I am currently wondering if I want to use anything other than Moodle, just for the sake of convenience. Not done deciding yet!

Etiquette and guidelines are sort of common sense issues for me. Don't put silly (overly personal) info online. Don't post unprofessional comments for everyone to see. My former students started my Facebook for me after our class ended in 2007, but I never "friend" a current student. As a result of having former students, relatives, high school friends and colleagues on FB, I really do not post my deepest dreams and fears up there. This is probably a good idea overall.