Reflecting on the Writing and Technology Survey
Some of the words you used to talk about your feelings towards writing were "efficient," "uncomfortable," "torture", "work", "caution," "tool" and "tedious". The only word that was used more than once was, intriguingly enough "desire."
I think these words reveal the complex nature of our feelings toward writing. We need it, we know it is our vehicle, but the task of writing is a personal one, one that is often shrouded in shame and feelings of inadequacy. Despite all this, writing is such a personal and intimate act, it can be almost visceral.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the process question:
Honestly, I do the rough draft the night before it is due, around nine with my fan blowing on me. I normally start with the tilte and gain inspiration from there. I cant half ass writing cause i get paranoid, as I am not yet quite confident in my writing, so I always double and triple check everything, especially before handing in the final draft. It normally takes me an hour or two write an effective paper because I coax myself into staying focused. I have to eat peanuts when I write, god please dont ask me why because I dont know the answer, I just have to do it.
My process of writing is a bit unstructured. In many cases, the ideas or themes that I use in my writings come to me at random moments, like walking from a class or in the cafeteria. If I feel like an idea is a winner, I'll jot it down on a piece a paper or repeat it (and edit it) in my mind until I am able to sit down at a computer. I never write my papers--I type them directly. I typically then just sit with my computer and peck away (with a sheet of paper beside me to work out my ideas and organize them just right). Excluding long papers, I also usually finish my papers in one sitting (i.e. I don't work on anything else while in the process of writing). Before I begin a new pararaph or section I read the previous ones out loud and start typing the new section after I've finished talking. I like to hear my written words because it allows me to see if my words are flowing and recognize where some parts may need to be revisited. When I finish typing (completely), I lean back in my chair, clap my hands, and say "Yes!" I like to write in very quiet conditions, or with very faint noise (a tv or music) in the background. I prefer to write in a familiar place, like my dorm room or lounge, because I feel comfortable. I can, however, write where ever I need to to get something completed. I like kicking my shoes off sometimes or getting up for a stretch (or email, facebook, AIM) break. I am higly adaptable though.
I usually set up a giant playlist on iTunes or Media Player (because this will probably take a while), plug up the headphones, and lay down a giant stream of concsiousness in a word processor. This is my general framework for the piece and is usually done the first night. After this I go back to the writing and start to revise and cut apart, in chronological order initially. I usually set up multiple windows of the word processor in order to take down good phrases or quotes that I think of but may not immediately have a place for. I leave all these windows open for several days or hours (whatever may be the case) leading up to the due date. I then revise in waves while trying to get my mind off of things in between. This usually results in 5 to 9 little revision sessions. Often there is one giant, penultimate revision session right at the end that may last for hours. After this giant session I look over everything, save, sacrifice some barnyard animals, and call it a paper.
So are you a good writer?
Yes!
Yes, I consider myself to be a good writer - I know I could improve, of course, but I do feel that I am talented at writing. I think that I have a broad vocabulary and that I use a formal tone in my writing, which are good qualities. Also, I think my diction is good, and that I express opinions without holding back when I write. I do have problems with wordiness and run-on sentences when I write, however, and those are important qualities that make a good writer (so I need to work on that).
I am a good writer because I am able to express my ideas clearly and use good evidence to support my arguments. A good writer should be someone who can present their ideas in a concise way and in a manner in which anyone can understand their argument.
Sorta.
would say that I have potential. A good writer is someone who can write what they are trying to say clearly but nicely. Ofcourse it depends on what kind of writing it is, but on essays a good writer is consise, has a deep vocab and knows how to organize a paper. I feel that I have potential because I have learned a lot about writing and I have a decent vocab and I know how you are supposed to organize a paper, but it is easier said than done.
I think I have good ideas ( not trying to sound conceded) but I don't really know how to articulate them.
I need some help.
No, I'm not a good writer. My writing is too structured and dull. I also don't have the eloquence or patience need to produce a well thought out paper. A good writer should be interested in what he is writing about, not just suffering through the words to get a good grade. This is one of the hardest parts of writing I believe, to passionate enough about a topic to write a good, interesting, and informative paper about it.
I don't beleive that I am a good writer. I have alot of trouble getting started writing and my still make many grammatical errors. My vocabulary is not that strong and I often seem to be redundant. I believe a good writer would most likely be someone who can comfortably express their ideas through writing, a person who knows their grammar skills at a professional level, and has good wording in making a very vividly strong point. A good writer would also have the ability to persuade the reader in agreeing with them or at least having the readers' fully attention.
You said the greatest hits of English 11 included
My favorite assignment in English 11 was the paper we wrote about sitcoms. I thought it was very entertaining to research and think about. We had many engaging discussions about what defined humor, why people thought it was funny, etc.
Our first assignment was an in-depth analysis of a risque movie. The theme of the class for the entire semester was gender, so the movie i chose was about three Australian cross-dressers searching for an identity and respect. The movie turned out to be quite enjoyable, and had a really good soundtrack. The paper, despite its length, was a relatively easy write and helped me better understand my teacher's goals for us as a writer.
You said the low points were as follows:
The public speaking because I had to make a speech that generally did not interest me. I had to talk about the Harriet Miers fiasco and give a one sided speech on this issue because my group members were to lazy to research the issue of ethics involoving nanotechnology in the medical field. Also, Ireally dont like speaking in front of people, but I am willing to work on it.
My least favorite assignment in English 11 was when we had to do a powerpoint presentation taking a position on integration/segregation and supporting it with evidence. (edit- This was in Ms. Morgan's English 11 class. Brianna or Justin is in trouble!)
My least favorite assignment in Englsih 11 was writing a five page letter to a congressman or some other government official asking him/her to support a particular bill, amendment, or program. The assignment was so unrealistic--no one writes a 5 page letter to a government official. In order to reach the assigned page length, the letter's subject was exhausted and the letter became rather repetitive. The point of the assignment was to practice and recocgnize the different tones we use in writing, but that particular assignment was a bit much.
My least favorite assignment in English 11 was when we had to pick an older movie that had a recent remake and write a proposal, for the remake, as if it had not been produced. I didn't like this assignment because, eventhough the remake gave us an idea on how to write our paper, I think it would have been a better idea to use a movie that didn't have a recent remake. By using this type of movie, we would have been able to really use our imagination to produce a strong proposal for a remake.
How 'bout goals?
It would be nice if I could improve my writing skills. I'm curious about the "real-life" applications of writing that we'll be looking at, not just book analyses and essays... oh! and to not burn out...
I would like to try to become even more comfortably with the written word and try to alleviate that inertia issue that plagues me when I get ready to write. Once I get started writing I usually enjoy it and often find myself able to effectively express myself. The biggest issue I have now at this point in my career is the fear that looms when I sit down to actually start composition.
I want to learn more about computers and the ways our media is changing. I think that learning how to edit the movies will be a fun thing to learn.
And concerns?
I am a little nervous about all of the computer-related assignments that we will be doing this semester in class; however, I had Katie McBirney as my English 11 teacher last semester, and we did almost all computer-related assignments, and I survived (with only minor trouble), so I should probably be alright. I am not the most technologically-able person there is, but I still want to stay in the class, and I am confident that I will be okay
That the workload may be overwheling! Bring it on Ms. Morgan! I'm ready for a challenge.
And for the tech survey:
Most people check email everyday. The majority compulsively.
Everyone in the class has a Facebook account; three have done photoediting. A few are dabbling with myspace.
Everyone saves over their old drafts; most people have created folders in the My Documents section of their PC.
Slightly more than half the class feel they know more than the average bear (so to speak) about technology.
If you all were designing this class:
If I were the teacher I would determine everyone's major and design the class based on the types of papers that everyone will most likely be writing in future classes for their majors. (edit- This student should be in a LINK class!)
It seems like some students (including me) will need more individual attention than others, but since there is only one teacher that is probably impossible in a 50 minute block. So, I think that a good addition would be to pair people who feel comfortable with the technology with others who do not so that the teacher will not have to spend so much class time on individuals.
If I were teaching this class, I would definitely do assignments with online blogs, because I think blogs are a good way for students to learn about new Internet trends (since computers and the Internet are major components of life nowadays), and plus writing blog entries is fun and involves a somewhat relaxed writing style (which is a change of pace from the typical research paper style of writing). I would also incorporate speeches into my curriculum, because I think that public speaking is an important skill to have, because it involves necessary social skills that will be valuable to students as they begin professional careers (as far as job interviews, working in social settings, etc.) I would overall try to have a mixture of computer-related and non computer-related assignments, so that I could cater to the computer geniuses as well as the slightly computer-illiterate (like myself).
I think these words reveal the complex nature of our feelings toward writing. We need it, we know it is our vehicle, but the task of writing is a personal one, one that is often shrouded in shame and feelings of inadequacy. Despite all this, writing is such a personal and intimate act, it can be almost visceral.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the process question:
Honestly, I do the rough draft the night before it is due, around nine with my fan blowing on me. I normally start with the tilte and gain inspiration from there. I cant half ass writing cause i get paranoid, as I am not yet quite confident in my writing, so I always double and triple check everything, especially before handing in the final draft. It normally takes me an hour or two write an effective paper because I coax myself into staying focused. I have to eat peanuts when I write, god please dont ask me why because I dont know the answer, I just have to do it.
My process of writing is a bit unstructured. In many cases, the ideas or themes that I use in my writings come to me at random moments, like walking from a class or in the cafeteria. If I feel like an idea is a winner, I'll jot it down on a piece a paper or repeat it (and edit it) in my mind until I am able to sit down at a computer. I never write my papers--I type them directly. I typically then just sit with my computer and peck away (with a sheet of paper beside me to work out my ideas and organize them just right). Excluding long papers, I also usually finish my papers in one sitting (i.e. I don't work on anything else while in the process of writing). Before I begin a new pararaph or section I read the previous ones out loud and start typing the new section after I've finished talking. I like to hear my written words because it allows me to see if my words are flowing and recognize where some parts may need to be revisited. When I finish typing (completely), I lean back in my chair, clap my hands, and say "Yes!" I like to write in very quiet conditions, or with very faint noise (a tv or music) in the background. I prefer to write in a familiar place, like my dorm room or lounge, because I feel comfortable. I can, however, write where ever I need to to get something completed. I like kicking my shoes off sometimes or getting up for a stretch (or email, facebook, AIM) break. I am higly adaptable though.
I usually set up a giant playlist on iTunes or Media Player (because this will probably take a while), plug up the headphones, and lay down a giant stream of concsiousness in a word processor. This is my general framework for the piece and is usually done the first night. After this I go back to the writing and start to revise and cut apart, in chronological order initially. I usually set up multiple windows of the word processor in order to take down good phrases or quotes that I think of but may not immediately have a place for. I leave all these windows open for several days or hours (whatever may be the case) leading up to the due date. I then revise in waves while trying to get my mind off of things in between. This usually results in 5 to 9 little revision sessions. Often there is one giant, penultimate revision session right at the end that may last for hours. After this giant session I look over everything, save, sacrifice some barnyard animals, and call it a paper.
So are you a good writer?
Yes!
Yes, I consider myself to be a good writer - I know I could improve, of course, but I do feel that I am talented at writing. I think that I have a broad vocabulary and that I use a formal tone in my writing, which are good qualities. Also, I think my diction is good, and that I express opinions without holding back when I write. I do have problems with wordiness and run-on sentences when I write, however, and those are important qualities that make a good writer (so I need to work on that).
I am a good writer because I am able to express my ideas clearly and use good evidence to support my arguments. A good writer should be someone who can present their ideas in a concise way and in a manner in which anyone can understand their argument.
Sorta.
would say that I have potential. A good writer is someone who can write what they are trying to say clearly but nicely. Ofcourse it depends on what kind of writing it is, but on essays a good writer is consise, has a deep vocab and knows how to organize a paper. I feel that I have potential because I have learned a lot about writing and I have a decent vocab and I know how you are supposed to organize a paper, but it is easier said than done.
I think I have good ideas ( not trying to sound conceded) but I don't really know how to articulate them.
I need some help.
No, I'm not a good writer. My writing is too structured and dull. I also don't have the eloquence or patience need to produce a well thought out paper. A good writer should be interested in what he is writing about, not just suffering through the words to get a good grade. This is one of the hardest parts of writing I believe, to passionate enough about a topic to write a good, interesting, and informative paper about it.
I don't beleive that I am a good writer. I have alot of trouble getting started writing and my still make many grammatical errors. My vocabulary is not that strong and I often seem to be redundant. I believe a good writer would most likely be someone who can comfortably express their ideas through writing, a person who knows their grammar skills at a professional level, and has good wording in making a very vividly strong point. A good writer would also have the ability to persuade the reader in agreeing with them or at least having the readers' fully attention.
You said the greatest hits of English 11 included
My favorite assignment in English 11 was the paper we wrote about sitcoms. I thought it was very entertaining to research and think about. We had many engaging discussions about what defined humor, why people thought it was funny, etc.
Our first assignment was an in-depth analysis of a risque movie. The theme of the class for the entire semester was gender, so the movie i chose was about three Australian cross-dressers searching for an identity and respect. The movie turned out to be quite enjoyable, and had a really good soundtrack. The paper, despite its length, was a relatively easy write and helped me better understand my teacher's goals for us as a writer.
You said the low points were as follows:
The public speaking because I had to make a speech that generally did not interest me. I had to talk about the Harriet Miers fiasco and give a one sided speech on this issue because my group members were to lazy to research the issue of ethics involoving nanotechnology in the medical field. Also, Ireally dont like speaking in front of people, but I am willing to work on it.
My least favorite assignment in English 11 was when we had to do a powerpoint presentation taking a position on integration/segregation and supporting it with evidence. (edit- This was in Ms. Morgan's English 11 class. Brianna or Justin is in trouble!)
My least favorite assignment in Englsih 11 was writing a five page letter to a congressman or some other government official asking him/her to support a particular bill, amendment, or program. The assignment was so unrealistic--no one writes a 5 page letter to a government official. In order to reach the assigned page length, the letter's subject was exhausted and the letter became rather repetitive. The point of the assignment was to practice and recocgnize the different tones we use in writing, but that particular assignment was a bit much.
My least favorite assignment in English 11 was when we had to pick an older movie that had a recent remake and write a proposal, for the remake, as if it had not been produced. I didn't like this assignment because, eventhough the remake gave us an idea on how to write our paper, I think it would have been a better idea to use a movie that didn't have a recent remake. By using this type of movie, we would have been able to really use our imagination to produce a strong proposal for a remake.
How 'bout goals?
It would be nice if I could improve my writing skills. I'm curious about the "real-life" applications of writing that we'll be looking at, not just book analyses and essays... oh! and to not burn out...
I would like to try to become even more comfortably with the written word and try to alleviate that inertia issue that plagues me when I get ready to write. Once I get started writing I usually enjoy it and often find myself able to effectively express myself. The biggest issue I have now at this point in my career is the fear that looms when I sit down to actually start composition.
I want to learn more about computers and the ways our media is changing. I think that learning how to edit the movies will be a fun thing to learn.
And concerns?
I am a little nervous about all of the computer-related assignments that we will be doing this semester in class; however, I had Katie McBirney as my English 11 teacher last semester, and we did almost all computer-related assignments, and I survived (with only minor trouble), so I should probably be alright. I am not the most technologically-able person there is, but I still want to stay in the class, and I am confident that I will be okay
That the workload may be overwheling! Bring it on Ms. Morgan! I'm ready for a challenge.
And for the tech survey:
Most people check email everyday. The majority compulsively.
Everyone in the class has a Facebook account; three have done photoediting. A few are dabbling with myspace.
Everyone saves over their old drafts; most people have created folders in the My Documents section of their PC.
Slightly more than half the class feel they know more than the average bear (so to speak) about technology.
If you all were designing this class:
If I were the teacher I would determine everyone's major and design the class based on the types of papers that everyone will most likely be writing in future classes for their majors. (edit- This student should be in a LINK class!)
It seems like some students (including me) will need more individual attention than others, but since there is only one teacher that is probably impossible in a 50 minute block. So, I think that a good addition would be to pair people who feel comfortable with the technology with others who do not so that the teacher will not have to spend so much class time on individuals.
If I were teaching this class, I would definitely do assignments with online blogs, because I think blogs are a good way for students to learn about new Internet trends (since computers and the Internet are major components of life nowadays), and plus writing blog entries is fun and involves a somewhat relaxed writing style (which is a change of pace from the typical research paper style of writing). I would also incorporate speeches into my curriculum, because I think that public speaking is an important skill to have, because it involves necessary social skills that will be valuable to students as they begin professional careers (as far as job interviews, working in social settings, etc.) I would overall try to have a mixture of computer-related and non computer-related assignments, so that I could cater to the computer geniuses as well as the slightly computer-illiterate (like myself).
posted by BiblioTECHa at 9:07 PM
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