For this blog
post, I want to review multimodality and the use of technology for the
classroom of composition.
Multimodality
gives students room to express themselves with composition, and using this mode
can make it relatable to anyone’s designated field. It can also elaborate
further into topics that students want to explore. I think it should be
introduced as part of the FYC as a small project, something that can let
students get creative. They can use any medium or any collaboration of media to
orchestrate a piece that they feel passionate about. Plus it introduces
students to use composition in this modern way and a tool that can applicable
to their possible fields. For my class, I would like to set up this small
project with a five to ten minute presentation to show their fellow students
how they fulfilled this assignment. I think the more we demonstrate different
ideas to our peers the more knowledge we gain about the different topics and
the different ways of expressing those topics. Plus we include the element of
speech, which let’s the art of composition be fulfilled successfully.
The
incorporation of technology can be very interactive inside and outside of
the classroom. Inside the classroom, we can make computers useful, especially
if the classroom is technologically geared to have multiple screens projected
on the main screen. If students have any relatable information to share they
have access to do so. It’s a very interesting idea but it can also be very
risky—the whole concern of not knowing what’s going to appear on the
screen at any given moment can a big one. But it does give students a certain amount of freedom
and can make the environment of discussion a lot more open. Outside the
classroom, keeping a line of communication is highly important to have. Forums
and blog posts are fine ideas to have as assignments because it’s designed to
keep the classroom discussion continuous.
Which does lead to my next discussion is that I do wish we were able to communicate more with students during grading, especially
since grading papers is done online. Video responses to particular problems
with grammar or critical thinking would feel easier when able to communicate
them orally. Tutoring through a system like Skype can give that one on one
interaction. It might fit better in a student’s schedule and might take care of
quick questions or even questions that need answering extensively.
I agree with you about the benefits of multimodal assignments. And, there are different forms of creativity. Artistry is just one; there's the ability to sequence, the right connections, etc. There are many ways to bring experience/literacies to a project through multimodal thinking. I like your connection to the idea of bringing the inside and outside together within the classroom, that sort of weaving of ISU's program, or orchestrating of Yancey's work. It's not the same as what you're talking about, but have you ever thought of writing a memo to 1301 students? Perhaps those whose work you're likely grading, and giving it to the CI in order to consider sharing during class?
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteI think that giving the students options is really important. Giving them rein over the topic and how they choose to communicate that topic is a great idea. The more choices they have, the more likely they are to engage in the material. I also really liked the idea of presentations. It gives them a chance to practice public speaking. I firmly believe that student learn the most from other students, so giving them a chance to share their ideas is great!