Google Docs is a very useful tool to do peer reviewing. This was the first time I had ever used it. This seems like a much better and more objective way to do peer reviewing and it looks like we will be able to save a lot of trees in the process.
The peer-reviewing for our first essay was really interesting. After we had a chance to discuss the readings, and then got a chance to see what writing technologies were made and shared in the classroom, it made reading the essays more meaningful. It’s a lot easier to identify with an essay after you have actually seen and heard about how it came about. Also, seeing how the practical exercise, theory, and how the writer expressed his/her ideas made this more of a fun learning experience.
Because this is brand-new to me, it always takes me a little time to work through new programs to learn about all the features and how to use them, I had a few problems (but nothing serious). The first issue was reading an essay after it had been edited and highlighted – it was really distracting to me (my eyes). I first try to read an essay and understand if the ideas are coherent, then I look closely at sentence structure. So it was distracting – I’m sure I will get used to it in time.
I wish I had a little more time to get used to the program before I needed to use it. As for advice I wish I would have given? I tried to be honest and sincere about what I observed and what I commented on – but I felt really rushed. Hopefully, we will be able to do a second peer review on the final drafts of these papers to ensure that we all got enough feedback to do our best work.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
My Writing Technologies
My Writing Technologies have evolved and more recently de-evolved over the years.
I grew up learning how to write in kindergarten using a pencil and paper. Later in my high school years, I took calligraphy classes and learned to write with pen and ink and various nibs.
I started working as a page at the public library when I was 15 years old and learned how to type using a manual typewriter and later to use the IBM Selectric typewriter. When the library system introduced Apple IIe computers for patron use, I was assigned to teach workshops on how to use them. The writing software was very limited and I can’t even remember the name of the programs we used except that I didn’t like word processing on the Apple computers and I continued using typewriters for my writing needs.
In the 1980’s while, my husband was working on his computer science degree, I had access to all sorts of computers at home, however nothing was really interesting until he gave me a PC with Windows 3.1 operating system, which had some simple and very basic types of word processing programs. I tried using them, but I stayed with my typewriter for serious writing endeavors.
When Microsoft Office Suite became available, I started using Word and took my IBM to the typewriter graveyard. In the early 1990’s there was a lot of software available for computers that was really creative and inspiring. All sorts of artistic and innovative software that made writing and publishing possible.
After all of these years, I still use Microsoft word for my word processing, however I use a mechanical pencil (to save trees) and paper to keep a journal of my personal observations and drawings. I’ve used the computer for so long now, that it makes my arm and hand tired to write.
Most recently, for a writing assignment, I started experimenting by writing with non-traditional materials and methods and I ended up going back to the basics. Using dirt, sticks, mud, sand, shells, rocks, branches, flowers, leaves, bark etc.
After all of my experimenting, I’m still going to stay with MS Word. It’s a lot faster and cleaner.
I grew up learning how to write in kindergarten using a pencil and paper. Later in my high school years, I took calligraphy classes and learned to write with pen and ink and various nibs.
I started working as a page at the public library when I was 15 years old and learned how to type using a manual typewriter and later to use the IBM Selectric typewriter. When the library system introduced Apple IIe computers for patron use, I was assigned to teach workshops on how to use them. The writing software was very limited and I can’t even remember the name of the programs we used except that I didn’t like word processing on the Apple computers and I continued using typewriters for my writing needs.
In the 1980’s while, my husband was working on his computer science degree, I had access to all sorts of computers at home, however nothing was really interesting until he gave me a PC with Windows 3.1 operating system, which had some simple and very basic types of word processing programs. I tried using them, but I stayed with my typewriter for serious writing endeavors.
When Microsoft Office Suite became available, I started using Word and took my IBM to the typewriter graveyard. In the early 1990’s there was a lot of software available for computers that was really creative and inspiring. All sorts of artistic and innovative software that made writing and publishing possible.
After all of these years, I still use Microsoft word for my word processing, however I use a mechanical pencil (to save trees) and paper to keep a journal of my personal observations and drawings. I’ve used the computer for so long now, that it makes my arm and hand tired to write.
Most recently, for a writing assignment, I started experimenting by writing with non-traditional materials and methods and I ended up going back to the basics. Using dirt, sticks, mud, sand, shells, rocks, branches, flowers, leaves, bark etc.
After all of my experimenting, I’m still going to stay with MS Word. It’s a lot faster and cleaner.
Monday, September 8, 2008
What is Style?
Style is an expressive state, action, manner, or quality of doing or performing something in a particular manner, often, but not necessarily in the pursuit of a reaction. Style can be abrasive, compliant, restless or peaceful but always with a goal in mind. It is expressed visually by fashion and is seen in human behavior, attitudes, mannerisms, and lifestyles. Style can be determined in the various modalities of language. It can be heard verbally – in how a person speaks. It can be seen and analyzed in literature, poetry and all kinds of writing. It can also be observed in all of the arts - architecture, photography, painting and drawing, music, film, etc. Style as a noun is subject to rules and popular culture can dictate what is “in” and what is “out.” Style can also categorize or compartmentalize “things,” for example, depending on the style of distinctive features and elements, architecture can be regarded and catalogued as a certain style.
ENG328 Style might (possibly) be considered by how meaning is expressed. The way words are written or spoken or presented and how the reader might interpret or determine what message the writer/creator wants them to understand or take away from the experience.
ENG328 Style might (possibly) be considered by how meaning is expressed. The way words are written or spoken or presented and how the reader might interpret or determine what message the writer/creator wants them to understand or take away from the experience.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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