Jennifer S. Lee
In preparing students for their future successes as college students and valuable employees in a technologically advanced economy, it is utterly important that the skills necessary to comfortably use computers, the Internet and other commonly used software programs be developed and practiced. As participants in a writing class that is centered on collaboration, revision and research, it will be an ideal opportunity to develop and hone their comfort levels and aptitude in the today's "rhetorical means of production" (Jenny Rice). Also reflecting my dedication to bridging the gap that many of my students have experienced their whole lives, this will help them overcome yet another obstacle that stands to challenge their success in academia.
Class will meet in a computer lab each week, allowing for students to experiment and practice in an environment where questions can immediately be answered and assistance given by the instructor and other classsmates. This is also important for students who may not have a personal computer at home.
Through a class blog, low stakes writing opportunities will be submitted online, where students will have the chance to engage with the writings of their classmates, without the looming fear of graded work submissions. This will also provide the opportunity to write not solely for an audience of one (the instructor), while giving students the chance to familiarize themselves with working in an online environment. Another interesting aspect of the class blog will be giving students the ability to post from their smartphones.
Classroom Salon will be used for collaborative text exploration before readings are discussed in class. Peer review of papers will also be done in small groups on the Classroom Salon platform. For students who may not be able to have reliable access to a computer at home to do the reading assignments, Classroom Salon is now accessible by smartphone.