Module Rationale + Learning Objectives and Assessments

In this module, we’ll investigate technologies and the future of writing by criticallyengaging in (a) writing practices common to contemporary digital environments, and(b) relevant theories and research in the field of rhetoric and writing studies thatspeak to the problem of writing in digital environments. Specifically, you’ll familiarizeyourself with what it means to blog, microblog, share information via RSS, andcollaboratively research and construct arguments in online, real time environments.The aim of this course is not to teach twitter or blogging; rather, it is an opportunityfor us to better understand how contemporary writing technologies afford andconstrain the collaborative construction of knowledge.This module culminates in a small-scale investigative project wherein we’ll developheuristics for inquiry into actual, in situ writing practices. This inquiry will result in aseries of collaborative blog posts and one final white paper wherein findings will bereported and presented to the class.Specifically, we’ll ask:There are three components to your grade in this module. They are as follows.In what ways do contemporary writing technologies and practices causeus to reconsider our definition of writing as well as constructs likeaudience, identity, originality, authority, ownership, materiality, andcollaboration?

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Argument for where youfall on the “TechnologicalLiteracy” scale below(which is based onMoore 2009).[self-assessment, 30%]

Collaborativeresponsibility and classparticipation.[peer-assessment, 30%]

Collaborative WhitePaper and presentationto class.[assessed by me, 40%]UncooperativeUncritically resistantPassive adoptionReceptive to andcan articulateaffordances +constraints