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.