When it comes to composition and rhetoric I think that technology should play a huge role in the classroom. The way I look at it, the majority of college students own or use a computer throughout the day every day. We are familiar with programs on computers and how to apply them to our studies. When assigning research papers professors except their students to draw on scholarly sources, usually found in multiple online databases. Professors want students to type papers and use proper MLA formatting. If we are required to use computers and technology to complete assignments, then why aren't we using them to learn information in the classroom. It is a double standard in our school system that needs to go away as soon as possible.
In my opinion, technology should play a role in the classroom and in composition. Technology has become such a presence in the classroom already, it should openly be embraced when students are given the task of composing a piece of work. With technology playing a role in composition, students have access to unlimited resources. Whether it is an online thesaurus to broaden one’s vocabulary, or an online source to help with citations, the internet offers numerous sources to help a student, or anyone for that matter, improve as a writer. The knowledge we can gain through technology such as the internet is limitless. With the information and knowledge that can be gained, students can improve their methods of composition, therefore improving their finished product. It would be unfortunate to not realize how revolutionary all of these sources are and to take for granted their effectiveness by not using them in composition. In the classroom, technology has been used as an effective teaching resource. When a teacher and students are given access to a countless number of images, documents, and other resources at the click of a mouse, this makes for a more effective learning environment. From my experience, learning in a technologically advanced classroom is unlike learning in any other classroom. The simple fact the the instructor has the ability to project any image, video, or text they wish within seconds is an attribute to the classroom as a learning environment. This access is something we should take advantage of and ensure that technology remains in the classroom.
Composition itself can have many meanings, whether it means composing an essay, a story, a poem, a thesis, or a powerpoint. I believe that while computers are helpful for many projects such as visual presentations or extensive papers, they are not always necessary in the classroom. Taking notes and minor writing assignments can just as easily be handwritten as they are typed, only without the distraction of internet sites or music players. I feel like computers are overdramatized in their importance in and out of the classroom. Yes, they make excellent sources for doing research, but they are not going to help structure sentences or make it any easier to come up with thoughts to write a research paper. Technology such as projectors are good for large, theatre sized classes, but for small classes, what's wrong with the blackboard?
I think that technology in the classroom is a good thing but like everything else, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. The technology and composition part of this class has been very interesting so far, mainly because every article we’ve read has had a different view on how technology affects the classroom and its role in the future. I think that technology, like every new invention that has come about will change rhetoric and composition. People don’t like change because we are happily complacent. I think I stand firm in my thinking of keeping computer based technology out of the classroom for adolescents. I don’t believe that elementary and middle school students should be crippled by inundation of the visual, they are still developing children and need to be treated like the sponges that they are. I think that my theory on composition stands firm even while looking into technology. I still think that the five canons should be the backbone for composition and rhetoric. They all play a part in every composition whether presented digitally, or in print. I am still as into audience as I was in the first place, although I may lean towards the importance of audience even more now with every extra facet of expression of composition we learn about. I believe technology should be mixed into teaching in small doses (with a spoonful of sugar) lest the students become shell shocked from all the technology around them they don’t know what to do with themselves. [side note: I have always wanted to use the word ‘lest’ in something I wrote. Although it is very dated, I think this is a tremendous accomplishment – as pathetic as that sounds] So in all, I don’t think that technology has modified my idea of rhetoric and composition all that much because if something so potentially life changing wipes away your ideals, then there wasn’t really a strong foundation in them in the first place.
In the last couple of posts, I’ve focused on a few specific aspects of rhetoric that I think should be key to a theory of composition, among these were the importance of visual rhetoric and the invisibility/seamlessness of successful composition. In my opinion, technology plays a huge part on these elements of composition because it provides room for exploration and creates possibilities. Through technology in the classroom, we are able to work within so many new, innovative, and developing genre’s that weren’t available in the past. When we focus on visual rhetoric, particularly, we’re able to expand our horizons within a wide range of genre’s such as film/video, blogs, power points, music, and a thousand other resources. The use of these gives students the opportunity to think in different ways. We know that composition isn’t a linear process, but when using the more traditional resources, we’re most likely to fall into this trend. Technology, on the other hand, allows composition to be as it should be, and thought, as well as execution and display, don’t need to be linear. Some people could argue that technology isn’t successful in the classroom because it’s distracting and gets in the way of the learning process. I don’t think it’s right to attribute this problem to unsuccessful technology. The real problem is caused by unsuccessful rhetoric. As I discussed in the past blog, seamlessness and invisibility of the composition process are crucial to the success of any type of rhetoric (within ANY medium). If the structure of the panels in a comic book is distracting, it’s not the fault of the genre, but rather of unsuccessful/ineffective use of its conventions, how the available means are used, leading to unsuccessful rhetoric. The same applies to technology. If the use of laptops in the class is distracting, it’s not the fault of the genre, technology, but rather of unsuccessful/ ineffective/ irresponsible use of its conventions, how the available means are used, leading to unsuccessful rhetoric.
I struggle with the use of technology in the classroom. While I have written that students bringing their laptops to class can be an extremely unhealthy distraction, there is obviously a place for them. Nearly everything is done online now. Many assignments are submitted online. Information is sent through Blackboard and webmail. As for composition, the internet and online, digital libraries such as J Stor greatly aid students in the writing process. While I don’t see too much benefit in bringing laptops to class, there really shouldn’t be very many, if any, restrictions on it. Technology is present in the classroom for professors to use in teaching (microphones, projectors, smartboards, digital overheads, etc), it should certainly be allowed for students in learning and taking notes. Keeping notes and in class exercises on their laptops helps students to be able to easily access them when writing a paper or working on a project. From continued class discussions and recent weekly readings, my perspective on technology in the classroom has definitely altered my theory of composition.
In terms of composition and technology, I think tech in the modern era does need to be taken into consideration given how much weight we put on technology as a society. I’m not saying technology needs to be used in every single composition, but it does play a role. When you’re composing, I think you really need to assess your medium and how technology can improve what you’re creating. In terms of multimodal literacy, it’s important for a composer to make use of this new form of rhetoric in order to use it to their advantage. For example, something produced in a digital medium might have more of an impact or may reach a wider audience than a form of print media. However, within that same breath, you have to consider you audience in terms of technology. Some individuals may be less technologically literate than others. Whether or not it is used in your composition, technology needs to be carefully weighed in every stage of your writing process.
I have a torn opinion regarding technology in the classroom. I honestly feel as though there are times when it is extremely important to have technology. Mostly in classes that focus on technology for the curriculum, much like our EWM classes or science classrooms. And I do believe a lot of amazing things can come out of technology having a place in our classrooms and allow teachers to teach more effectively with the use of power points, videos, music, and so on. However, I'm scared of becoming too entranced by the magic of technology and losing the core of education. Books, writing, even highlighting. Traditional teaching methods in the classroom are often considered outdated when in fact they are just pushed aside. They are still effective, they are still helpful and most importantly, students are still learning. A balance needs to be created for these two worlds to live in blissful harmony.
As we've discussed the concepts of visual rhetoric and technology, it has become evident that not only is technology a complex situation within our society, but technology is a complex situation within the sphere of rhetoric and composition. There has not been an article that we've read in the Digital Unit that sides with one of the extremes on the discussion of technology and its role in the classroom For me, the basic forms of current technology have to be included in the classroom. Students, when the leave college, should have a good representation of how the "working world" works when they leave school.Technology is something that defines our society, so to not include it in the classroom is to convey a false representation of reality to the students. Complete abandonment of technology conveys that false representation because technology exists and we cannot ignore its importance. Complete dependence on technology also conveys that false representation because there is no balance between tradition and innovation. Issues arise, however, when technology leaves those "basic forms" I discussed earlier. Colleges have become dependent on technology for every facet of an academic course. There are numbers and studies that show minorities, as a result of financial status, have a difficult time in college because of this technological dependence. When a course leaves those "basic forms" for more complex technology, students loose their "equal-footing" with their counterparts who are more fortunate financially.
In regards to involving technology within the classroom, i am all on board. We are a thriving society based upon the new and innovative, and with technology these days, life in the classroom can be done way more effectively and can increase the outcome for higher success among students. With the addition of new technology to classrooms and outside jobs, i feel that it is vital for students to be technology equipped and ready, so when the opportunity presents itself, they are professional and ready at a moments notice to preform well. Now yes there can be a unhealthy balance between schoolwork and technology but if there is a obedient relationship between the two then the options to become distracted disappear.Technology is vastly growing to the point where we almost need it to stay relevant and up to date, and we're not getting any younger.
I find myself caught in the middle of whether or not I view technology in the classroom as a benefit. I believe that at this day and age, with as prominent as technology is in every persons life, that student's shouldn't be any different. I think that the fact that students are asked to use technology on a daily basis in regards to their education whether it be emailing a teacher, downloading a PDF, or even something as simple as looking up a fact has made technology and computers probably more important then your standard pen and paper. Technology has made the task of being a student a lot more time efficient as well as doing a good job of keeping students up to date with the world. There are the downfalls of technology though in relation to the students. For one, some students spend their time in class surfing facebook or stumbleupon instead of taking notes and gaining the knowledge learned in the classroom. Also, when it comes to a research paper where you are asked to give scholarly sources, sometimes the internet feeds you bull shit. There has to be a common medium between technology and education and I think it all starts in the classroom.
I think, especially when it comes to WEPO, that technology in the classroom is a necessity. It is present throughout our society so not only do I think you should be able to use it but also apply it. Part of our major is based on print and media, both of which require the most current forms of technology to use. It makes it easier to get work done, and also allows "us" to be more flexible when creating an idea or project.
Already mentioned in a previous post, but important none the less, the is financial side of technology. Unfortunately the more technology advances the more expensive it becomes, which I suppose I find slightly ironic. I would like to add that it is not just colleges that have become dependent on technology but almost all jobs as well. Cash registers are now electronic and computers are basically a necessity. It makes college 10 times more difficult for the working student and it makes jobs difficult as well if you have no prior computer experience.
I do support the use of technology because, as I said, I think it's important to the job market. I do think, however, that our society might be a little too dependent on technology and some day that could prove to be a problem. But over all when push comes to shove, regardless of financial situations, I believe technology is a big step in the right direction.
I think that technology is vital in composition education. In the classroom technology is a familiar and useful tool for students and can be very effective. Our society has made technology a large part of communication and human interaction; facebook, twitter, and blogger are just a few sites that showcase this. To recognize this trend and capitalize on it, i believe that technology is very important in the classroom
When it comes to composition and rhetoric I think that technology should play a huge role in the classroom. The way I look at it, the majority of college students own or use a computer throughout the day every day. We are familiar with programs on computers and how to apply them to our studies. When assigning research papers professors except their students to draw on scholarly sources, usually found in multiple online databases. Professors want students to type papers and use proper MLA formatting. If we are required to use computers and technology to complete assignments, then why aren't we using them to learn information in the classroom. It is a double standard in our school system that needs to go away as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, technology should play a role in the classroom and in composition. Technology has become such a presence in the classroom already, it should openly be embraced when students are given the task of composing a piece of work. With technology playing a role in composition, students have access to unlimited resources. Whether it is an online thesaurus to broaden one’s vocabulary, or an online source to help with citations, the internet offers numerous sources to help a student, or anyone for that matter, improve as a writer. The knowledge we can gain through technology such as the internet is limitless. With the information and knowledge that can be gained, students can improve their methods of composition, therefore improving their finished product. It would be unfortunate to not realize how revolutionary all of these sources are and to take for granted their effectiveness by not using them in composition.
ReplyDeleteIn the classroom, technology has been used as an effective teaching resource. When a teacher and students are given access to a countless number of images, documents, and other resources at the click of a mouse, this makes for a more effective learning environment. From my experience, learning in a technologically advanced classroom is unlike learning in any other classroom. The simple fact the the instructor has the ability to project any image, video, or text they wish within seconds is an attribute to the classroom as a learning environment. This access is something we should take advantage of and ensure that technology remains in the classroom.
Composition itself can have many meanings, whether it means composing an essay, a story, a poem, a thesis, or a powerpoint. I believe that while computers are helpful for many projects such as visual presentations or extensive papers, they are not always necessary in the classroom. Taking notes and minor writing assignments can just as easily be handwritten as they are typed, only without the distraction of internet sites or music players. I feel like computers are overdramatized in their importance in and out of the classroom. Yes, they make excellent sources for doing research, but they are not going to help structure sentences or make it any easier to come up with thoughts to write a research paper. Technology such as projectors are good for large, theatre sized classes, but for small classes, what's wrong with the blackboard?
ReplyDeleteKari K
I think that technology in the classroom is a good thing but like everything else, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. The technology and composition part of this class has been very interesting so far, mainly because every article we’ve read has had a different view on how technology affects the classroom and its role in the future. I think that technology, like every new invention that has come about will change rhetoric and composition. People don’t like change because we are happily complacent. I think I stand firm in my thinking of keeping computer based technology out of the classroom for adolescents. I don’t believe that elementary and middle school students should be crippled by inundation of the visual, they are still developing children and need to be treated like the sponges that they are. I think that my theory on composition stands firm even while looking into technology. I still think that the five canons should be the backbone for composition and rhetoric. They all play a part in every composition whether presented digitally, or in print. I am still as into audience as I was in the first place, although I may lean towards the importance of audience even more now with every extra facet of expression of composition we learn about. I believe technology should be mixed into teaching in small doses (with a spoonful of sugar) lest the students become shell shocked from all the technology around them they don’t know what to do with themselves. [side note: I have always wanted to use the word ‘lest’ in something I wrote. Although it is very dated, I think this is a tremendous accomplishment – as pathetic as that sounds] So in all, I don’t think that technology has modified my idea of rhetoric and composition all that much because if something so potentially life changing wipes away your ideals, then there wasn’t really a strong foundation in them in the first place.
ReplyDeleteIn the last couple of posts, I’ve focused on a few specific aspects of rhetoric that I think should be key to a theory of composition, among these were the importance of visual rhetoric and the invisibility/seamlessness of successful composition. In my opinion, technology plays a huge part on these elements of composition because it provides room for exploration and creates possibilities. Through technology in the classroom, we are able to work within so many new, innovative, and developing genre’s that weren’t available in the past. When we focus on visual rhetoric, particularly, we’re able to expand our horizons within a wide range of genre’s such as film/video, blogs, power points, music, and a thousand other resources. The use of these gives students the opportunity to think in different ways. We know that composition isn’t a linear process, but when using the more traditional resources, we’re most likely to fall into this trend. Technology, on the other hand, allows composition to be as it should be, and thought, as well as execution and display, don’t need to be linear.
ReplyDeleteSome people could argue that technology isn’t successful in the classroom because it’s distracting and gets in the way of the learning process. I don’t think it’s right to attribute this problem to unsuccessful technology. The real problem is caused by unsuccessful rhetoric. As I discussed in the past blog, seamlessness and invisibility of the composition process are crucial to the success of any type of rhetoric (within ANY medium). If the structure of the panels in a comic book is distracting, it’s not the fault of the genre, but rather of unsuccessful/ineffective use of its conventions, how the available means are used, leading to unsuccessful rhetoric. The same applies to technology. If the use of laptops in the class is distracting, it’s not the fault of the genre, technology, but rather of unsuccessful/ ineffective/ irresponsible use of its conventions, how the available means are used, leading to unsuccessful rhetoric.
I struggle with the use of technology in the classroom. While I have written that students bringing their laptops to class can be an extremely unhealthy distraction, there is obviously a place for them. Nearly everything is done online now. Many assignments are submitted online. Information is sent through Blackboard and webmail. As for composition, the internet and online, digital libraries such as J Stor greatly aid students in the writing process. While I don’t see too much benefit in bringing laptops to class, there really shouldn’t be very many, if any, restrictions on it. Technology is present in the classroom for professors to use in teaching (microphones, projectors, smartboards, digital overheads, etc), it should certainly be allowed for students in learning and taking notes. Keeping notes and in class exercises on their laptops helps students to be able to easily access them when writing a paper or working on a project. From continued class discussions and recent weekly readings, my perspective on technology in the classroom has definitely altered my theory of composition.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of composition and technology, I think tech in the modern era does need to be taken into consideration given how much weight we put on technology as a society. I’m not saying technology needs to be used in every single composition, but it does play a role. When you’re composing, I think you really need to assess your medium and how technology can improve what you’re creating. In terms of multimodal literacy, it’s important for a composer to make use of this new form of rhetoric in order to use it to their advantage. For example, something produced in a digital medium might have more of an impact or may reach a wider audience than a form of print media. However, within that same breath, you have to consider you audience in terms of technology. Some individuals may be less technologically literate than others. Whether or not it is used in your composition, technology needs to be carefully weighed in every stage of your writing process.
ReplyDeleteI have a torn opinion regarding technology in the classroom. I honestly feel as though there are times when it is extremely important to have technology. Mostly in classes that focus on technology for the curriculum, much like our EWM classes or science classrooms. And I do believe a lot of amazing things can come out of technology having a place in our classrooms and allow teachers to teach more effectively with the use of power points, videos, music, and so on. However, I'm scared of becoming too entranced by the magic of technology and losing the core of education. Books, writing, even highlighting. Traditional teaching methods in the classroom are often considered outdated when in fact they are just pushed aside. They are still effective, they are still helpful and most importantly, students are still learning. A balance needs to be created for these two worlds to live in blissful harmony.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs we've discussed the concepts of visual rhetoric and technology, it has become evident that not only is technology a complex situation within our society, but technology is a complex situation within the sphere of rhetoric and composition. There has not been an article that we've read in the Digital Unit that sides with one of the extremes on the discussion of technology and its role in the classroom
ReplyDeleteFor me, the basic forms of current technology have to be included in the classroom. Students, when the leave college, should have a good representation of how the "working world" works when they leave school.Technology is something that defines our society, so to not include it in the classroom is to convey a false representation of reality to the students. Complete abandonment of technology conveys that false representation because technology exists and we cannot ignore its importance. Complete dependence on technology also conveys that false representation because there is no balance between tradition and innovation.
Issues arise, however, when technology leaves those "basic forms" I discussed earlier. Colleges have become dependent on technology for every facet of an academic course. There are numbers and studies that show minorities, as a result of financial status, have a difficult time in college because of this technological dependence. When a course leaves those "basic forms" for more complex technology, students loose their "equal-footing" with their counterparts who are more fortunate financially.
In regards to involving technology within the classroom, i am all on board. We are a thriving society based upon the new and innovative, and with technology these days, life in the classroom can be done way more effectively and can increase the outcome for higher success among students. With the addition of new technology to classrooms and outside jobs, i feel that it is vital for students to be technology equipped and ready, so when the opportunity presents itself, they are professional and ready at a moments notice to preform well. Now yes there can be a unhealthy balance between schoolwork and technology but if there is a obedient relationship between the two then the options to become distracted disappear.Technology is vastly growing to the point where we almost need it to stay relevant and up to date, and we're not getting any younger.
ReplyDeleteI find myself caught in the middle of whether or not I view technology in the classroom as a benefit. I believe that at this day and age, with as prominent as technology is in every persons life, that student's shouldn't be any different. I think that the fact that students are asked to use technology on a daily basis in regards to their education whether it be emailing a teacher, downloading a PDF, or even something as simple as looking up a fact has made technology and computers probably more important then your standard pen and paper. Technology has made the task of being a student a lot more time efficient as well as doing a good job of keeping students up to date with the world. There are the downfalls of technology though in relation to the students. For one, some students spend their time in class surfing facebook or stumbleupon instead of taking notes and gaining the knowledge learned in the classroom. Also, when it comes to a research paper where you are asked to give scholarly sources, sometimes the internet feeds you bull shit. There has to be a common medium between technology and education and I think it all starts in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think, especially when it comes to WEPO, that technology in the classroom is a necessity. It is present throughout our society so not only do I think you should be able to use it but also apply it. Part of our major is based on print and media, both of which require the most current forms of technology to use. It makes it easier to get work done, and also allows "us" to be more flexible when creating an idea or project.
ReplyDeleteAlready mentioned in a previous post, but important none the less, the is financial side of technology. Unfortunately the more technology advances the more expensive it becomes, which I suppose I find slightly ironic. I would like to add that it is not just colleges that have become dependent on technology but almost all jobs as well. Cash registers are now electronic and computers are basically a necessity. It makes college 10 times more difficult for the working student and it makes jobs difficult as well if you have no prior computer experience.
I do support the use of technology because, as I said, I think it's important to the job market. I do think, however, that our society might be a little too dependent on technology and some day that could prove to be a problem. But over all when push comes to shove, regardless of financial situations, I believe technology is a big step in the right direction.
I think that technology is vital in composition education. In the classroom technology is a familiar and useful tool for students and can be very effective. Our society has made technology a large part of communication and human interaction; facebook, twitter, and blogger are just a few sites that showcase this. To recognize this trend and capitalize on it, i believe that technology is very important in the classroom
ReplyDelete