Unit 3 Reflection Blog

Module 3 was geared toward using comics and graphic novels in the classroom. These tools have produced positive results for students of all reading levels. However, very few teachers actually use graphic novels today.

                According to Graphic Novels: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, “Teachers use graphic novels because they enable the struggling reader, motivate the reluctant one, and challenge the high-level learner.” Reading words and being able to comprehend a story could be difficult for a struggling reader. Seeing pictures helps them to make sense of the plot. Reluctant readers will only read if they are interested. To them, graphic novels could be more enticing than a traditional novel. As for a high-level reader, comics and graphic novels can help with writing an essay or other assignment. The article also mentions that, “We must make kids want to read before we can make them read what we want them to.” If students don’t have an interest, they won’t read. The graphic novels can be a stepping stone to more advanced readings. There have been many classics turned into graphic novels such as, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Wizard of Oz, and Robin Hood. If a teacher assigns the class the graphic novel version first, then have them read the traditional text, they’ll most likely have a better understanding of the plot, characters, and setting.

                Teachers might not use graphic novels in the class for a variety of reasons. One could just be that they’re relatively new and teachers don’t know much about them. Some educators aren’t aware of the benefits of graphic novels. Funding is another issue that could arise. Sometimes teachers have to censor these stories because parents or administration may have problems with them.

                One project we completed in this module was the graphic representation of a novel. At first, I was dreading it because I’m not an artistic person by any means. Halfway through though, I realized how beneficial it is. In order to create a graphic, you have to select which scene to show, which quotes to use, and which angles to use for the images. Those choices are what helps convey the message to the audience. By just creating a graphic, I realized how it can also help readers understand.

                Before this, I had no experience with graphic novels, as they were never part of my high school curriculum. After learning this unit, I now know what graphic novels can do for students. If possible, I’ll definitely be using them in my classroom. I’d also really like to use the graphic representation project as well.

Unit 2 Blog Reflection

Module 2 of Writing for Non-Print Media focused on using new technology to help reinforce reading. The idea of transmediation, or representing a concept across sign systems, was a central theme in this unit. The “I Just Need to Draw” article highlighted various ways to teach a text, including using artwork, discussion circles, and even dance. Other sources we studied also addressed the importance of graphic responses to reading. Even though this was only Unit 2, I’d have to say it’s my favorite so far. I’ll be taking a lot of the ideas mentioned and utilizing them in my own classroom.

Graphic responses to readings can help students interpret and understand the story better. They can be extremely powerful. Students have to think critically in order to create a visual representation. These graphics can also serve as a catalyst to getting students to come up with new ideas for essays. According to The Green Knight Should Be Green, “Students may learn something from their own graphics or from the presentations of others that causes them to want to choose a new focus for their essays.” Graphics and pictures have become an integral part in understanding a text, as students have to be creative and make their own interpretations.

Making the Classics Matter to Students through Digital Literacies and Essential Questions happened to be my favorite reading of the unit. It discussed several good ideas in regards to teaching classic literature. The article stated, “If we were going to excite students’ passions about this book, we would need to connect it more explicitly to their interests, to their lives and concerns.” In my opinion, relating a story to students’ lives is the key to getting them to be more excited and engaged. The teachers in this article centered their lessons around the theme of risk in The Scarlet Letter.  Students participated in various activities and discussions focused on what they would risk in their own lives. At the end of the book, they were give a multimedia project to assess their understanding. They were required to create a video about the risks a character took, using only pictures and music. Students loved the project and teachers saw increased engagement and more completed assignments. The assignment was such a success that the students wanted to do Academy Awards for their videos. This project is definitely something I’d like to implement in my classroom.

Transmediation helps students get a better grasp on the characters, plot, and themes of a novel. Graphics have undeniable, positive impacts on learning. The use of visual representations give students the opportunity to be creative, make their own interpretations, and become more engaged in a text. In the future, I’ll be utilizing all these ideas.

Unit 1 Blog Reflection

                Module 1 of Writing for Non-Print Media was all about how various digital tools can be utilized inside the classroom. All the readings addressed the fact that using technology in teaching will engage the students. Some of these new forms of media include Quizlet, Schoology, Cel.ly, and even Twitter. Though there are still teachers who don’t want to incorporate it in their lessons, technology is becoming extremely prevalent in education. Instead of running from it, we should embrace it.

                Digital media provides many benefits to both students and teachers. For one, the idea of just-in-time learning means accessing information needed to complete a task immediately. The most common example of this would probably be a Google search, which students use all the time. This method of learning teaches students how to ask good questions in order to produce the answers they’re looking for. Technology also allows for customization. According to The Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument, customization can have a positive impact in special education as well. The Individualized Education Plan is created by teachers, but could be further customized by technology. Interaction is increased by digital tools, such as online tutors. When students are given direct feedback, they can quickly gauge if they’re doing something correctly. If they aren’t, they can immediately find the problem and fix it.

                If teachers aren’t exposing students to different media outlets, they’ll potentially fall behind once they graduate. The Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument also claims, “No one will be able to solve complex problems or think effectively in the coming world without using digital technologies.” Technology is used in just about any field, so students would have an advantage if they were familiar with it.

                When it comes to technology, I think the most important thing is that it’s used effectively. So many times as student, I would be assigned digital projects. By the time it was due, sometimes I had learned more about the technology than the actual content itself. In that case, digital tools hindered my knowledge instead of advancing it. Technology must be accompanied by other factors in order to be helpful in classrooms. Create Compose Connect highlights important aspects of digital media in learning such as a strong vision, specific plan, strong infrastructure, supportive professional development, and thoughtful evaluation. If all these are put into effect, technology will further students’ understanding of the material.

                As a future teacher, I plan to use digital tools when applicable in my lessons. I really liked the idea we talked about in class of using a hashtag on Twitter. If Twitter is still popular by the time I’m a teacher, that’s definitely something I’d look into. I would like to continue to discover new media outlets that would engage and benefit students.