COURSE PURPOSE
The Writing Arts department of Rowan University describes Writing, Research, and Technology as a course that
presents the rhetorical, social, and practical dimensions of writing and researching in networked contexts. Students focus both on the roles an individual creates and maintains when writing for different cybermedia formats and the kinds of conventions that exist in systems like the World Wide Web, listservs, e-mail, and hypertext. A web-based research project in a concentrated area of writing for a particular electronic community demonstrates students' ability to communicate online.
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background
Since the internet transitioned over to private sector ownership on April 30th, 1995, new media writing technologies have transformed our understanding of identity and our sense of community and the world, all by virtue of the constellation of writing practices we are required to take up in order to participate in the new media economy. Professionally speaking, it would be irresponsible to avoid participating on social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Prezi, Reddit, etc.
In essence, we are continuously called to follow what Elizabeth Clark (2010) calls the the "digital imperative," to invent and develop ourselves as digitally inscribed beings ready and willing to adapt to each new technological innovation; those reluctant to participate in developing their own digital literacy capabilities are likely to fall away into social and professional oblivion. The value that governs this argument sees any new technology as worthy of adoption, especially those technologies that reconfigure our understanding of ourselves and the world to then open up new markets for commercial consumption.
In essence, we are continuously called to follow what Elizabeth Clark (2010) calls the the "digital imperative," to invent and develop ourselves as digitally inscribed beings ready and willing to adapt to each new technological innovation; those reluctant to participate in developing their own digital literacy capabilities are likely to fall away into social and professional oblivion. The value that governs this argument sees any new technology as worthy of adoption, especially those technologies that reconfigure our understanding of ourselves and the world to then open up new markets for commercial consumption.
What could go wrong?
But what are the consequences of unquestioned obeisance to this digital imperative? How might it be possible to interrogate this digital imperative even while we become what it demands of us to become when we adopt those practices necessary to perform at a professional level? Is it possible to transcend the role of being a mere consumer of technology, to become what some have called being a "prosumer," or even a producer of technology? Is it possible to be a producer of technology while maintaining a critical perspective on technology and the consequences of letting technology shape our understanding of ourselves and the world?
While the greater emphasis of Writing, Research, and Technology will be hands-on experience with a variety of electronic mediums within a workshop setting, you will also engage in analysis and self reflection on technology as an agent of transformation, whether beneficial or deleterious.
Writing Arts Core Value 7: Writing Arts students will show an understanding of the power of the written word and that such power requires ethical responsibilities in its application.
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One issue that will continue to grow in importance will be the ethical choices you will confront surrounding the risks you take when sharing yourself as a writer in electronic environments. There will be appropriate moments to share from your life, and other details you might feel uncomfortable sharing, especially if those details might threaten to impact your professional ethos in a negative way.
What I urge you to do is avoid writing anything which you post online that would put an online professional persona in jeopardy, whether yours or anyone else's. Also be willing to explore creative strategies for transforming sensitive material to avoid any such jeopardy. In the end, you are responsible for the image you project; be attentive to the ethical impact your writing has.
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Having something at stake
I ask each of you to have something at stake for yourself in participating in this course: I ask that you use the course to significantly develop yourself as a digital writer and researcher, and that you take on each project of the course as a means to expand your digital repertoire as well as deepen your self-reflective awareness of the impact evolving technologies have on our everyday practices of writing.