Cool Dude

Interesting article with a sociological look at our word applied to writing.
"Academic scholarship turns to appropriation not to sell products but rather to learn the methods of persuasion conducive to new media." p.61
This makes lots of sense. As I read the article, I thought of many authors who have simply said, "....learn the rules, and then you can break them..." or something like that. I tell my students the same. Keep in mind there there are expectations for standard writing, yet there is also much room for innovation.

Appropriation seems simply to be a term to recognize the natural process of cultures and societies, with the expectation that some appropriation might be oppressive and detrimental to cultural development and recognition. In terms of writing, I like the idea that we incorporate out own cultural perspective in our writing. For example, if you come from a heavy oral tradition where specific elements of story telling are used in passing on information, then I would naturally expect to see those elements in your writing. Eventually, the greater society, the majority if you will, would borrow these techniques, use them, and apply them to a standard that would fit most writers. This may be appropriation, and a result of colonization, but it is one of those things that is a natural part of how our world tends to be. If we apply this process to commercialization and "cool", we see that even the most "unique" and innovative material, if allowed to become accepted and popular, is sucked into general and popular culture, and no longer retains its coolness or uniqueness, yet we are blessed with yet another perspective to further enrich our culture. Evolution if you will.

I kept thinking of how I approach and might further approach my teaching approach to composition as I read this article. I thought of a few authors that I cover, in particular Sherman Alexie. One element of innovation that I see in his writing, and therefore encourage my students to attempt, is Poetic Prose. Alexie's writing is inundated with this style of writing and story telling. It is even present in some of his essays. His is a perspective and style that can be considered relatively innovative given his popularity and notoriety, yet there is nothing wrong with appropriating his "coolness" and letting every other writers know that they can attempt the same.

I further encourage my students to be creative, innovative, and to "move me with their words" as this rhetoric of coolness might suggest. Now, considering this approach to teaching writing, we must also address the technological element...pen to screen.

I love the idea that writing and composition can be two different things, yet accomplish the same. The use of multi-media technology along with writing can be quite effective, and "cool". The thought of taking, or sampling, from other writing to enhance your own is a great one. Our technology allows for easily doing this, and enhancing this with elements of computer technology such as video, music, image, and website inclusions simply adds to the beauty of compostition.

Using the comparison to trying to find ways to draw people to cities, "Cool Cities," is an excellent way to view writing. Why not use other tools and methods to draw kids into writing that that already do outside of class? Teach the basics, standards, etc., but also make use of other forms of media to allow for increasing interest and hopefully more and better writers.

This appropriations article, though quite technical at times, was pretty interesting and thought-provoking. It forced me to think of approaching the teaching of writing from a different angle and to keep in mind the cultural influences that enhance my students' writing. Cool Beans.

Yancey Article

The first thing I noticed that the presentation itself was an indication of the changing surface of composition in the 21st century with the various tables, pictures, and references to the sound elements used during the speech. The coupled with the analogy of music composition solidified this element of change in composition. Despite the general forms we need to address in the teaching of writing, I can see how this view of writing as composition encourages creativity in "composing" ideas by the use other media to bolster written thoughts and discussions.

This idea that composing means more than simply writing will turn the teaching of writing upside down, and will be interesting to watch. It makes sense since much of our world is run by new technology. This change can't be helped. I figure that it continues to evolve, and that this change is not such a bad thing to embrace.

I like that element of continued critical thinking skills building. I like the challenges that it affords the students in trying to develop arguments with written work bolstered by visual and audio elements. What a great form to see develop before our eyes.

It seems like many teachers nowadays assign visual elements to accompany written work. Additionally, students take it upon themselves to include multimedia elements in their projects. This seems to develop a little more involvement and engagement as well as ownership in their education: Good Stuff.

One draw back that was brought up in class discussion is the element of equity in access to the technology necessary to accomplish the use of multimedia elements in school compositions.

Overall , Yancey makes a lot of sense.

This is a Test

After many minutes of trying to figure out how to use this baby and set up a new log, I am in! Major problem: I had to change my email address to DonHo141@Gmail.com since the site won't allow me to create an account with my other email account. What a rip! So, this is my new email for any of you who are interested. Remember, enjoy life.
Big Smiles!