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Digital Writing Across the
Curriculum l Implications of
Technology for the Shape of a College Education
In an increasing number of
fields, students need to learn to write in the way or ways
that professionals do, some of which are digital. So, for
the student to learn to be conscious of the different
'voices' of writing in his or her field, digital writing has
a role to play.
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Karen McComas, a faculty
member in Communications Disorders in Marshall
University in West Virginia, suggested this theme to
me. She has developed
an assignment to help students
learn the differences among the various kinds of writing
in her profession. McComas wants her students to develop
skills and insight into the different oral and written
communication requirements of their professional lives.
So each student must pose a research question and then
respond in a way that combines several of these types of
communication. Students must each use seven different
genres, that address multiple audiences, accomplish
multiple purposes, and represent at least three
different voices. One of those genres must be used in a
way that unifies the other six.
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Some online professional journals have
begun to break away from customs of printable text.
The most common point of departure is 'live links'
leading across, and out of, the article to other text.
Another hallmark: increased use of images, relative to
printed materials. But some online professional
publications go much farther, and, in so doing, suggest
new kinds of writing that students ought to master (and
pioneer). Examples:
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Case Western Reserve University has
experimented at least once with live digital posters on
large flat, touch screens. The same dimensions as
traditional conference posters, these can be explored by
touching buttons to start videos, bring up additional
information, etc. This is another emerging genre
of professional communication with implications for
writing skills that some novice professionals will need.
Do you have
examples to suggest, where assignments in a major were
strengthened because writing online was part of an effort to
teach students the different ways of writing appropriate to
their majors? Do you have any reactions about the nuances
of doing this? the advantages and disadvantages? If so,
please contact Steve Ehrmann (ehrmann at tltgroup.org).
Digital Writing Across the
Curriculum l Implications of
Technology for the Shape of a College Education
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Phone:
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