Courtney's+Wiki


 * 1)  **** Reflect on the process of creating the techno-literacy memoir. What did you learn from presenting this project in a mode other than traditional print text? **
 * The first thing I noticed about this project is that there are entirely too many technological influences on my writing to remember, let alone list. As other people began presenting their techno-literacy memoirs, I realized that I had forgotten several influential pieces in my own presentation. Because the presentation required videos and links, it was much easier to visualize what others used in their learning process while growing up. Also, it gave us as authors more of an opportunity to speak about our presentations without having to read word for word off of a page. Because I am still somewhat young, I had no idea what some of the technologies other students used were, so having pictures and videos really helped me out. Otherwise I would have been pretty lost. Overall, I really enjoyed this project because it brought back several memories from my childhood that I had forgotten about. Also, I had never really considered before this project, exactly what different technologies have influenced and will continue to influence my writing. **
 * 2)  **** Make at least one prediction about where new media will take writing in the twenty-first century. **
 * This is somewhat of a difficult question to answer because I feel that new media will allow for writing to be changing drastically over the next hundred years. For one, I feel like more people will begin writing strictly for the Internet. The possibilities are endless for this because people can add pictures and videos and links to other bits of information that might be useful. Although most adult novels do not contain pictures, I personally enjoy a picture or two every now and then so I can visualize what is happening in the story better. Writers will be able to do this without having to worry about the cost of ink or paper. This will also allow the reader to leave comments about the piece of work, which in return will help the author in their future writing. The cost of the books should also be much cheaper since nothing will have to be printed so the cost of producing the book will be much cheaper. Also, with all of the technology, it will be easier for authors of poems and short stories to do voice recordings of their work. This will allow for better interpretation by the audience since they will be able to hear which words the author emphasizes most. **
 * 3)  **** Reflect on the process of creating the web-text. How did the text change in its transition from silent print to the “noise” of cyberspace (and that question can be taken either metaphorically literally) in terms of stylistic choices and audience concerns? **
 * I found the web text to be quite interesting because I figured I would be able to just transfer the paper from the page to the Internet without having to make many changes and that could not be further from the truth. I found myself actually thinking about the audience more than I usually do. Normally I find myself writing only for the teacher and I never stop to think about how I would adjust my writing for a real audience. I found myself wanting to add more sources because I wanted other people who read my wiki to know where my ideas were coming from and they were not just my own opinions. I also tried to be more aware of grammatical and spelling errors. I also had to read through my paper and take out pointless ideas that I had used before merely to fill the page. Trying to decide which portion of the paper was more important and should come first was also a challenge. I wanted to put the most interesting information in the first couple of pages in order to capture the reader so they would want to continue reading the rest. I also felt that it was very necessary to add pictures so it was not just another written paper that I would have turned into the teacher. **
 * 4)  **** In what ways have you changed as a writer this semester? **
 * Firstly, I feel that I am much more aware of the reader than I used to be. I want to make sure I present myself as an educated individual so the people who do stumble across my writing will not think I have no idea what I am talking about. I also find myself thinking of ways that I can make my papers more interesting. For example, I try to find videos or pictures that will help reiterate the point I am trying to get the reader to understand. I no longer limit myself to just a pen and paper. I know that if I am writing on the Internet, there is a possibility that more people will come across my writing, whereas before I was merely writing for and to the teacher. I also realize now that there are several different mediums I can use to get my points across. I can use a blog, a wikispace, powerpoint, a video or a podcast. Each of these can be useful depending on what the topic of discussion is. Also, I am not as modest about having other people read my writing. I am more open to peer reviews and using other peoples criticism to help make my paper better. **
 * 5)  **** Which theory/theorist have you found most interesting or helpful in understanding digital media and why?  **
 * One of the most interesting theories I found was that on Ekphrasis in Writing Spaces by Jay David Bolter. I had been introduced to this concept last semester while taking a poetry class; however, I never really considered it when reading information on the Internet. I think this is an important concept because yes people can comprehend thoughts without having pictures and vice versa, but why do that when you can have both. Bolter is practically saying that in good examples of Ekphrasis, both the picture and the words are needed for the reader to grasp the full idea or concept that is being introduced. Unlike just making films or writing stories with pen and paper, the World Wide Web allows people to add pictures and videos with the words. It makes reading much more interesting and easier to comprehend. Since most people read either for informational value or for fun, I think it is important to make the information as easy to understand as possible. Bolter says that “new digital media remediate the book, the newspaper, and the magazine by offering a space in which images can break free of the constraint of words and tell their own stories” (Bolter 58). He also says that “designers use images to provide an immediate experience that words alone cannot offer” (58). I think it is obvious that Bolter feels like new digital media is moving in the right direction and it will continue moving toward the future. **