Blogs in the Classroom

     After reading Dr. Tryon's article, "Writing and Citizenship", I felt silly that I have been previously enthusiastic over character analysis papers and argumentative essays in which only the teacher or perhaps a peer will read. Currently, my students are writing argumentatively over the issue of capital punishment. This topic is a prevalent theme in a novel we recently read in class. It occurred to me how much greater the ownership may have been if I had prompted students to blog about these issues, under a pseudonym, or not, giving them the freedom to share their argument beyond the teacher's red pen and perhaps in a place where there is great concern and interest over this topic. As the article suggests, students may become more interested in current events, political concerns and matters of the citizen, if their voices were shared publicly. The ability to have others, maybe even the public, critique your argument would prompt students to strengthen their positions, further their research and to go beyond the requirements of the classroom and traditional expectations. This is writing that matters and causes students to become a part of their world, rather than watching from the outside. I cannot clear my mind of my own students who know little of politics besides what they hear their parents say. Many of them have not traveled beyond the borders of their rural county or region. What a great way to introduce them to a new world of thought!! This is certainly going to impact my classroom and the binder full of plans I have for this year.  I have always thought that students should help design their course, as we get new students, new learners each semester. This article supports what I already knew but wasn't sure where to start or who may look at me critically from the powers that be. We will see.

Response to Week Two Readings

     In response to "Why Heather can Write", I found myself wanting to know more about fan fiction and how this might look in my own classroom. I found myself wondering how my colleagues would respond to this as well. Was this literature? How truly creative was this? How does fan fiction apply to other novel series besides Harry Potter? Could this be adapted for classrooms that embrace the classics? Perhaps students could write original narratives that convey similar themes. I agree with the author that digital literacy is important for our students and that it often what engages many of them who would otherwise be disengaged. This is a great example of students learning by doing. It is okay to be in the drafting process. It is a community of support and extensive scaffolding for those who need it. Critics, however, may claim that students are less than original. Yet, we all learn by watching, then doing and eventually we make something of our own.

Introduction -Hello

Hello to all!! I am new to blogging as this is a course requirement for a grad course at UNC FSU. I will be blogging about my experiences with this course and in my high school English classroom. Forgive my ignorance of this tool.

Hello

This is brand- new to me ! Welcome to the blog I created for my class at UNC FSU !