Digital Writing

Digital Writing

1. electronic texts

   • non-linear composition and reading
     • This idea of non-linearity is not specific to e-texts; one can pick up a print-based text and start reading from any point.
   • e-literature
   • interactive
   • new forms of writing, representing, and communicating
     • multiple literacies
       • navigating textual spaces
     • meaning making
   • nontraditional text production
     • How do we teach students meaningful digital text production?
   • hyperlinking
     • Hyperlinking is a unique feature of digital texts that allows writers to add in supplemental information without disrupting the flow of the text. 
   • incorporation of visuals and multimedia

2. ·

   • new skills
     • What does it mean to master the art of writing?

3. 21st century classroom

4. online environments

   • blogging
     • less polished and edited? informal?
       • Should we do more to privilege informal writing formats?
         • Students will probably encounter more informal writing spaces than formal academic ones.
   • collaborative writing tools
     • Such as Google Docs.  JF overheard a conversation among students where one said, "See you on Google Docs!" before departing.
   • audience
     • content matters more than if there were no audience
   • purpose
   • changes to the writing process
     • peer feedback
     • reflection
     • track changes
     • clarity and conciseness
     • writing as a social process
     • Do the benefits of digital writing processes outweigh the drawbacks?
     • feedback before assessment
     • How does digital writing change our assessment practices and expectations?
   • tweeting

5. effects on students

   • increased motivation?
     • Are students more motivated to write if it involves technology, compared to traditional pen and paper tasks?
   • relevance to daily lives
   • freedom to express and share
   • students write more?
   • less emphasis on mechanics; damaging to formal writing?
   • How do we encourage students to think critically about the digital texts they encounter?