A couple of quick digital technology updates: First, I created a "Twapper Keeper" of tweets from the HMA conference last month. I like the idea of using Twitter as a way of taking notes at a public event; notes can be shared with an interested group -- and they are stored for the Twitterer as well. This feature -- one of taking notes -- will be useful in my English 102 class semester, I think.
On a second Teaching Composition with Digital Technology note: I finally understand the fuss about Prezi. I used it in my English 101 class this week in lieu of a midterm. I divided up the course Learning Objectives we've covered so far (writing process, revision, rhetorical choices, genre, challening reading) among groups and assigned them to brainstorm how we as a class have worked toward meeting these objectives. I then showed them Prezi and assigned them to make a brief presentation using the platform that could serve as a reminder and digital resource for the class about the objectives.
Students easily learned the platform and made great, engaging presentations. As a class we were able to discuss the rhetorical choices they made in creating the presentations and students were able to share tricks they learned as they explored Prezi.
Practical stuff: I teach in a computer classroom; two out of five groups used their own laptops instead of the computers in the room. My class is a three-hour block, and, from start to finish (including Prezi tutorial), the activity took up about half of class. This could easily be done in a twice-a-week class.
Best midterm ever!
