Blogdelirium

Here's the URL for the Blogging Book at Amazon!

2006-11-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

No clownin' around...Here's the URL to find out about the book!

http://www.amazon.com/Using-Blogs-Enhance-Literacy-Powerful/dp/1578865662/sr=8-3/qid=1163469307/ref=sr_1_3/103-3910847-4922213?ie=UTF8&s=books

Yes, when cows and dolphins fly...The blog book comes out in March 2007

2006-10-31T21:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I heard from my production editor at Rowman & Littlefield today. The target date for the release of the blog book that those of you in my classes hounded me to finish has been set.

Using Blogs to Enhance Literacy will be released March 2007. I know Amazon.com in Canada and a couple of Japanese booksellers already have pre-order stuff up on their sites. I'm sure for those of you interested, Amazon in the US and BN will have their information up soon as well.

I'll post URL information on the blog when the book comes out, since a number of you have asked about it now and again.

Of course, the book is dedicated to all of you who've taken my classes in Writing, Research, Technology or Writing for Electronic Communities or Information Architecture at Rowan. Some of you will find yourselves quoted in the book (and you thought I wasn't paying attention to your ramblings). It's my way of getting even for all the times you've quoted me (correctly or not) in your papers!

Goodbye to the print version of Boondocks!

2006-10-31T21:14:00.000-05:00

Many of you know how much I love the newspaper version of Boondocks. I had heard rumors that the print version was being shut down in favor of the Cartoon Network version, and future book & movie deals.

Today I learned that the rumor is true. Happy freakin' Halloween....

Needless to say, I am saddened. The CN version is rarely timely or all that interesting. Book versions of the 'toon are fine, and remind me of the Calvin & Hobbes' series from years ago. (Or the Far Side, or Bloom County...pick your example, I miss them all.)

Producing a daily strip burns out great artists and social commentators. I'm sure Aaron McGruder is tapped out, just like Bill Watterson and Berke Brethed burned out years earlier from their great successes. Maybe in the future McGruder will return to his roots, like Brethed has with "Opus." I can only hope.

While progress happens, sometimes progress just sucks.

So, while I still have a chance to read the daily re-run in the paper, I will. But, those days seem pretty numbered.

I'm going to miss Riley, Huey, Granddad, the neighbors, and especially Ceasar.

Thanks for making my morning and weekend comics reading a highlight for these last couple of years, Aaron McGruder. I've appreciated the trip.

The Last Discussion!

2006-04-09T16:27:00.000-04:00

Tonight is our last night's discussion before going into book presentations next week.

If you don't remember, here is the schedule for the next two weeks of presentations:

April 17
Stefanie
Jen
Linda
Allison

April 24
Bill
Shawna
Gary

Of course, Shawna's questions for this week will be posted here.

We're in the proverbial "home stretch" here, all! Now if only Spring and the Yankees will cooperate with us a bit more, the last few weeks will be smooth.

Shawna, take us to the next level!

On to Multimodal Discourse....

2006-04-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

Here are Stefanie's questions for the week..

Question 1—covers the Introduction (pages 1-23)

The introduction of this book illustrates concepts discussed in class, such as enframing, the creative class, and techne. We discussed how enframing is the essence of technology and considers the following question: what environment are you in and how do you send the message? How are or should things be framed? The path of technology gives way for the creative class to demonstrate techne—working on the arts of the mind. This book adds more to these previous questions. Page 11 states the following: “New technologies, increasingly ubiquitous, multi-purpose and ‘natural’ in terms of their interfaces, will help create a fourth dimension of communication in the same way that writing created a third—and this time not at the cost of a decrease in multimodality.” Is an increase in multimodality the right and most effective direction for communication in an interactive society? Will writing (a major form of communication) benefit from this theory and practice of multimodal communication? What are the implications of a fourth dimension of communication that stresses the multimodal “language of interior design” and more grammars of modes other than language?

Questions 2 and 3—cover Discourse and Design (pages 24-44)

On page 27, the following statement is made: Colour as mode is entirely distinct from language as mode. What are those distinctions? What are your thoughts about the idea of colour as mode? Another key point made is that language is still the mode that has potential for critique and analysis. How does one critique or analyze colour to come to a better understanding or articulate meaning?

Based on this new theory of multimodal communication—where our lives and professions are emerged within diverse, communicative modes—what terms best correlate with this new theory: de-skilling, re-skilling, or multi-skilling (41)?

Question Four—covers Production and Distribution (pages 66-110)

“The new technologies’ emphasis on multi-modality, three-dimensionality and interactivity can be seen as a return of many of the things that were lost in the transition from ‘orality’ to ‘literacy’, as a ‘secondary orality’, in other words” (92). What are the things that this statement refers to? What will be lost in this new multimodal world of communication—a world that suggests games becoming an art form? It is not about old content but the new mode of participating in society’s narratives—representation and imaginary identification towards participation, community, and co-creation (110).

Question Five—covers Issues for the multimodal agenda (pages 111-133)

The last chapter of this book states that the idea of multimodality is not a new phenomenon. Why should we be interested in a multimodal theory of communication or a greater degree of multimodality? Why move from a monomodal to a multimodal communicational landscape? Is this theory important because of its significance of representation and sending a powerful message to audiences? Or is multimodality concerned with the following: forms of cognition, possibilities for learning, new shapings of knowledge, the management of information, and the shaping of forms of human interaction?

Good stuff for us to think about!

Podcasts bring 24/7 teachers

2006-03-23T01:59:00.000-05:00

This is something we were discussing a bit in class recently. What do you think? Can podcasting used in this way be a helpful learning tool for students?

What about for writing classes? Might there be uses for podcasts to teach writing?

Check out the Kansas City Star's article:

Kansas City Star | 03/20/2006 | Podcasts bring 24/7 teachers

Monday Night's Contributions from Tyler!

2006-03-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

Tyler's given us some things to think about as we return from a well deserved Spring Break. He's cited pages and places for everyone to concentrate on as we mull over his questions....

Feenberg & Barney: Pages 143-160; 183-238; 263-282.

1) Shade’s essay, “Gender and the Commodification…” looks at feminism in cyberspace by examining two internet communities. Both started out as places for intelligent female discourse but after various mergers and buyouts, both became commercialized and their message became diluted in the search for wider audiences and higher profits. Shade talks about the blurring lines between content and advertising. Can quality content remain uninfluenced by advertisers on these websites? Do you see a difference between advertisements on the internet and advertisements in other mediums (magazines, television, etc…)? If so, what are those differences and should we seek to prohibit them?

2) Kahn and Kellner’s essay, “Virtually Democratic…” examines how the spread of the internet and related technologies has had an effect on globalization and politics. The essay looks at the ways all sides have taken advantage of these new mediums and worked to get their respective messages out. We see new subcultures pop up everyday and they’re given a voice that they didn’t have before. Do you think we will continue to see more participatory democratic processes or will the further spread of capitalist ideals into the internet stunt the growth of free speech? What are some other movements you see coming in our future? (as in formats like blogs and wikis)

3) Agre’s article, “The Practical Republic…” looks at some different political philosophies and brings up the four-dimensional lattice structure. “From this perspective, the crucial type of capital that a society needs is not social networks but social skill.” (212) Agre later goes on to say, “But technology is not central; what is central are the choices we make….” (214) Do you agree with his assessment? Can technology be used for anything more than organization? What?

4) Etzioni’s essay, “On Virtual, Democratic Communities” looks at communities in both the real world and in the virtual world and what it means to be a true community. Etzioni examines studies detailing how people’s internet use affects their real world lives concluding that internet use usually enhances community. Etzioni goes further in brainstorming how the internet can be used in our democratic process (232-237). Do you see Etizoni’s idea of “multilayered democracy” (235-236) conducted on the internet as something feasible? If not, why not and what steps could be taken to create a more plausible scenario? Is such a scenario even possible?

5) Schuler’s article, “Toward Civic Intelligence….” discuses various concerns having to do with certain technological advancements and whether or not humanity will lose control of them. A strong civic intelligence would be a way to keep ourselves in control. Schuler examines the possibilities. With the rise of the internet and other technologies, do you think we’re reaching a point where an idea similar to Wells’s World Encyclopedia is finally possible? Can we strengthen civic intelligence in the ways Schuler describes? Or do you see us becoming too dependant on technology and losing control because humanity was unable to overcome their differences to participate in a “World Brain?”

ReadWriteThink: Lesson Plan: Blogtopia: Blogging about Your Own Utopia

2006-03-15T01:56:00.000-05:00

I know Miss Fox and others who are teaching might want to consider an assignment that integrates blogging across the curriculum. This "blogtopia" project seems like a pretty cool idea on a way to integrate blogging and course content in school lessons.

Take a look. Let's discuss when we return to class on Monday.

ReadWriteThink: Lesson Plan: Blogtopia: Blogging about Your Own Utopia

Resolution on Composing with Nonprint Media

2006-03-15T01:51:00.000-05:00

I know this is a bit ahead of where we're going in class, but in the next few weeks we'll be moving toward how writing for electronic communities influence the classroom.

Here's a link to the NCTE Position Statement on composing with nonprint media. Take a look:

Resolution on Composing with Nonprint Media

USATODAY.com - What you say online could haunt you

2006-03-15T01:49:00.000-05:00

Thought some of you might like to read this, given we've been talking about issues along these lines over the last couple of weeks.

USATODAY.com - What you say online could haunt you

Heeeere's Linda...and Feenberg, and Barney, and Levy

2006-03-05T16:50:00.000-05:00

This week we're moving into the notions of collective intelligence, democracy, and electronic writing. This is going to be challenging material, and I know Linda's going to give it her best to motivate us toward working through these writers.

We'll do a lot of work in class tomorrow night. Until then, Linda, take it away!

Diane

New Book, New Sets of Questions!

2006-02-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Gary, for a really good class exchange last week and some provocative questions.

This week, a new book and new sets of questions to examine as we begin exploring the social connections to writing in online environments.

Our fearless group discussion leader should now be ready to take us forward into this new realm. Fearless Leader, let your questions go (ok, I've been watching a bit too much "Iron Chef" this weekend...sorry for the dramatics!)

It's Gary's Turn to Lead the Discussion!

2006-02-19T17:41:00.000-05:00

This week, Gary leads the class. He's going to provide some interesting insights into how these ideas work through AI and current cultural issues....

If you want to visit the links Gary provides, you can find them in the comment area of the last post (questions for 2/6/06)...when I transferred the material, the links didn't take. My bad.

Anyway, post on! These give us excellent food for thought for Monday night's class.

1) Considering how “generalized surveillance” has led to (our) “disciplinary society,” (365) what are some instances in which we can observe the effect of Panopticism – a “state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power” (360) – at present? (Within the current context of the Patriot Act and wiretapping in the U.S., recall Foucault’s point about how the Panoptic discipline-mechanism operates separate from law (370) and the ostensible limits on power.)

--or--

Bentham imagined “a network of mechanisms” throughout society in place of the prison (364) -- what can we conclude about how we elect to use network technologies that are potentially (and often essentially) Panoptic, while others employ similar devices and methods for counter and inverse surveillance?

(See also the idea of sous-veillance)

2) Elliott mentions Kramer’s label of “cosmetic psychopharmacology” (376) regarding the recent trend in medication (e.g. Prozac). With the combination of the capitalist healthcare industry and our consumerist society, will ethical issues influence/affect our attitudes and uses of enhancement treatments/technology? Can ethics even play a significant role (in opposing enhancement tech.) when “cultural complicity” (374) and “authenticity” (377) are ideological critiques in the first place?

3) Here is a link to the ELIZA program that Joseph Wiezenbaum developed in the 1966, a primitive A.I. simulation of a Rogerian therapist. The Jabberwacky chatterbots named “George” and “Joan” yield much more interesting and more fluid conversations.

From reading both the Dreyfus brothers’ skeptical criticism and Kurzweil’s idealistic view, will A.I. remain limited even as “expert systems” (407-8), or will progress eventually result in A.I. having self-awareness and spirituality (393)? How do you predict A.I. will develop, and more importantly, how will it function in (or as part of) our society? Can we reasonably presume that the future will be neither utopic nor dystopic (a la The Matrix) regarding this issue?

4) Our relationships with Artificial Intelligence may be significant in future years (more like those depicted by the film A.I.), but presently we don’t regard the computer as a “subjective” agent who “does things to us” (423), for example. Despite publishing this article in 2002 (source), which ideas of Turkle’s seem outdated and/or irrelevant, not necessarily due to time but more so our current socio-techno trends and views?

(Some readers may even question/challenge Turkle’s ideas fundamentally, on the basis of her employing a theory (psychoanalysis) that seems obsolete for this context, after all. I gave her an honest read, but is there anything applicable to “computer culture” that we can salvage?)

5) Outside of his scientific context, how does Ihde’s idea of “technoconstruction” (485, plus Kaplan’s intro on 432) apply to our uses of technology (mainly personal computers) regarding writing, information, media, communication, community, society, etc. (i.e. within a social sciences/humanities context instead)? Could his term be a useful label for a digital/network paradigm or episteme (knowledge/way of thinking) in our present age?

Reading Questions for Week of 2/6/05

2006-02-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is a day late (and perhaps a dollar short...). I had a few things come up yesterday that kept me from posting.

Anyway, here is your new set of questions for the week. We'll discuss some in class, but I do want folks to chime in a bit more. Even if things aren't making sense, ask or say something....

1. Pacey's article in general: What are, in your opinion, the cultural aspects of technology related to writing for electronic communities? (Consider, if you need to, the diagram on p. 98).

2. Winner's article: Winner discusses on p. 104 the difference between "making" and "using." This is a distinction he carries throughout the article. Think about writing on computers -- how do we "make" writing versus how do we "use" writing in electronic environments?

3. Borgmann talks about Heidegger's idea of "dwelling." Heidegger argues elsewhere that we have to "dwell" in language before being able to use it. What does it mean to "dwell in language" and how does one "dwell in language" on a computer?

4. Haraway and Latour present the idea that there are humans and nonhumans in this new world of electronic communities. We perhaps are reaching the point that larger numbers of humans are blending with nonhuman elements. From your own experience, where do you see these intersections happening between the human and nonhuman, and based on Latour's diagram on p.189, where do you think society is at this point in the state of social/nonhuman relations?

5. David Harvey argues starting on p. 337 that we can see ourselves as architects of our worlds. Thinking of how people generate new personas, new identities, and new ways of thinking and being in online environments, read over Harvey's "universal rights" (pp.348-351) and discuss how online life might change these rights.

Reading Questions for Writing for Electronic Communities

2006-01-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

As I said in class last week, I'll get the discussions rolling. Tonight I have a series of five questions for everyone to consider. You can post a bit here throughout the week, and you can use the questions as prompt's for Monday night's class.

I've jumped around a bit in the readings, so I'll offer page numbers for you to orient yourself.

Here we go...

1. Robert Heilbroner puts forward the idea of technological determinism as a problem of a social time period marked by high capitalism and low socialism, so technology is unleashed but agencies that can control or guide this technology are rudimentary (p.14).

Given that, think about the electronic writing technologies we have in society today...is Heilbroner correct in his observation that -- for writing -- the technologies are unleashed but there are very basic, raw controls or guidelines for content and presentation? Be able to explain your ideas cogently.

2. Hans Jonas's article is quite interesting in that Jonas describes technology as a "species of power" (p.24). Thinking about writing in these new technological environments, who/what has the power over the written word? Are there dangers or concerns related to power that we should be wary of when linking writing to technology?

3. Now, think about Heidegger's essay "Question Concerning Technology" particularly in light to how you respond to question 2 -- pay close attention to the "four causes" Heidegger outlines on p. 36. Now, consider Heidegger's notion of "telos" in relation to both the "four causes" and to writing in an electronic environment. How must writers be responsible for their words given Heidegger's sections on pp.36-37?

4. Marcuse discusses technology and efficiency on p.65. Is writing made more efficient through changes in technology? If so, how? If not, why not?

5. Pay close attention to the Aldous Huxley quotes in Habermas's essay "Technological Progress and the Social Life-World." What do Huxley's observations about literature teach us about the connections between writing and electronic environments?

Have a go! See you Monday night at 6:30.

When is memoir a lie?

2006-01-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

One more scandal about memoir that probably tops James Frey's...the "Navahoax" story in the LA Weekly.

Yes, I know memoirists are supposed to be true to the story, but memory is a strange thing for most of us. And while Frey did make up a whole lot of stuff, as it seems Nasdijj did as well, when factual errors arise how much of this is someone's ego driving the fabrications or someone's distorted memory?

Perhaps a new genre needs to be developed: "The life I thought I had...or wished I had to sell this book" memoir.

Nan Talese maybe said it best (and I paraphrase because I only saw the Oprah clip, not the entire show): We believe this is a life based on the author's memory.

Some people just have really bad recall...

Anyway, the "Navahoax" story is a great one for those who are into memoir. Read the story at LAWeekly, below

LA Weekly

Factually Speaking by Julian Dibbell

2006-01-14T22:46:00.000-05:00

In a similar vein to Aviv's article, Dibbell takes on the "Siegenthalers" who challenge Wikipedia's veracity. Definitely a change of pace from the typical critique of Wikipedia.

Of course, it's tough to compare Wikipedia with the Encyclopedia Britannica. Who really uses the Encylopedia Britannica anyway -- except for high school kids copying information for their school reports and first year college students who think professors like me are too stupid to know they just lifted material from the encyclopedia.

Anyway, read the piece. Worth the time.

village voice > screens > by Julian Dibbell

Mondo Wikipedia by Rachel Aviv

2006-01-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

It's hard to imagine that Wikipedia turns 5 years old this year! Aviv's article in the Village Voice is a pretty interesting overview of Wikipedia's strengths and weaknesses.

village voice > arts > Education Supplement 2006 by Rachel Aviv

Blogdelirium Returns!

2006-01-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

A new year, and I'm back! The fall semester was one of experimentation. I was heavily invested in trying out moodiling...and Moodilini was born!

For those unfamiliar with moodles, they're open source course management software packages. Moodilini is home at www.crteacher.com/moodilini.

While I'm kicking around the idea of moodling again this term, I missed Blogdelirium. For some reason, there isn't enough time in the day for me to moodle AND to blog...and write, teach, advise graduate students, read grad theses, and run a grant. Unless, of course, someone at my university's biological sciences department wants to try some cloning of a professor's cells. Not advocating mine, but I'm sure my department chair and dean might appreciate the effort.

Anyway, Blogdelirium has returned from its hiatus. Now for more coffee...

Blogdelirium Returns Soon...

2005-07-03T03:27:00.000-04:00

Been taking a few weeks off, watching Yankees games, doing some writing, handling some business...

I thought about audioblogging some, but hey, sometimes a break is needed. Besides, I hate the telephone in all its forms.

The "vacation" ends soon, as my summer classes resume on 7/5. The Evil Doctor will once again torture her students with demands for blogging.

Getting Final Grades....

2005-05-10T02:10:00.000-04:00

I know everyone's getting a bit anxious about final grades. I'll be looking at your websites over the weekend and posting grades on Monday. Since all of you seem to have done a pretty good job (just from my quick looks to make sure the URLs work), I'll post the websites here. Feel free to come and take a look at any time. Many of you education coordinate majors have some great resources to share with your peers!

Some of you I'll see either later this summer or in the fall. Others, these are the last few days until you graduate. Since I will be dragging myself out of bed at the crack of dawn to attend graduation, I hope to see you there! (I'll be the one wearing sunglasses in partly cloudy weather...I know you can explain your professor's strange behavior to your parents, significant others, or friends.)

I wanted to say thanks to all of you for making class a great experience. Whether we were debating the merits of technology and technology's effects on writing or throwing a blog party, each of you contributed greatly to making the class work. Without your help, none of us could have or would have achieved as much as we did.

Thanks, too, for suggesting the departmental blog. I'll be working on that in June, so if you have ideas for me...send them along.

Until we meet again,

The Evil Doctor

Set the Balloons Free...Last Night of Class!

2005-05-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

Balloons
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Yeee-Haw, kids! Monday's class is the last of the semester!

To all of you seniors who are graduating, good luck!

To a number of you who want to torture yourselves with my classes this summer and next fall, I send you an extra balloon.

Best wishes to all for a great summer and, if I don't see you again, a good life.

-- The Evil Doctor

Break open the bottles...Bloggy Awards time!

2005-05-01T20:48:00.000-04:00

Champagne
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Monday night's class is when the 2005 Bloggys will be awarded.

Also, certificates for proficiency in blogging will be handed out.

It's a fun-filled final evening of class. Be there!

The Party's Over...Time to Call It A Day!

2005-04-25T20:58:00.000-04:00

'K folks, we've come to a close on the party. Time to vote on the Bloggies. Or send in your papers. Or make sure I have your papers by 6:00 PM on Wednesday.

It's been real, it's been fun. We'll see if it's been real fun.

Don't forget...class on Monday night. We'll wrap up some loose ends. Let me know if you're still having problems with your web site.

It's Blogdelirium Blow Out Time!!!!

2005-04-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, folks...Here we go! Don't forget to nominate your favorite site, most improved site and silliest site here later. Could be The Evil Doctor has something in store for next week's class.

Also, a word to all bloggers...It's come to my attention that some of you are being real porky at certain sites, leaving negative postings. My mom always said, "If you can't say anything nice, move on." Or, in the words of Buddha (I know it's somewhere in those Zen texts...), "If you leave bad karma, you get bad karma in return." The idea is to learn how to write and think in the blogosphere, not to create "blog rage."

Papers are due by Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

www.myspace.com/njfarmersdaughter
theblogette.blogspot.com
angelistheman.blogspot.com
devone.blogspot.com
bewareofarneyscott.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/madison304
www.xanga.com/xOxOKBxOxO
wildandcrazydreams.blogspot.com
dixiewonders.blogspot.com
www.daysofzenn.blogspot.com
mondaypenrodclass.blogspot.com
yacketyak.blogspot.com
chebellablog.blogspot.com
mostembarrassingmoments.blogspot.com
adlaverne.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=bELIajEsika
ginasorority.blogspot.com
cathym017.blogspot.com
beccasbest.blogspot.com
giraffelvr.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=pearlleegates
mouseintheteapot.blogspot.com
seaver11.blogspot.com
asongforrhio.blogspot.com
currentmovies.blogspot.com
summerlvr.blogspot.com
ward0101.blogspot.com
supastarr34.blogspot.com
thehomeworkblues.blogspot.com

Two New Sections for Fall 2005: Writer's Mind and Writing, Research, Technology

2005-04-22T20:23:00.000-04:00

These just added!

Writer's Mind 1501 401 03, T/Th 4:45-6 with Dr. Deb Martin
Bunce 104

Writing, Research, Technology 1501 301 03 with Prof Roberta Reavey

Tues 3:15-4:30 Bozorth 27
Thurs 3:15-4:30 Hawthorn 104
(Note the split schedule here!)

You have until THIS COMING MONDAY 4/25 to register for fall. Also, an extended registration period runs from JULY 11-26.

If you or any of your friends in the program need a section of either class, sign up NOW! Don't wait until July...remember, transfer students will be signing up in June.

Hope this helps those of you who have been shut out of a section of either course.

New Blog Idea for Writing Arts Department...

2005-04-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

I need your help, folks. We think the department needs a better way to keep everyone up to date with items as well as to have a better feedback mechanism. I proposed a blog. Folks seem interested in this at the departmental level. But, here's where I need your help....

What sort of things do you think students need to have updates on, or features that will keep them checking the blog. You all know the power of blogs, so let me know here what our department blog needs to be successful. I'll take your ideas, put them forward, and build the blog in a couple of weeks. So, if you have a free moment (and yes, I know I ask you all to do things at the worst possible time...happens to me, too), can you respond here and tell me what you think the department needs on its blog to get students information, and to get student feedback.

Otherwise, we're getting close to the Blogdelirium Blow Out Bash...get your blogs in order!

Correction on the Web Site Due Date...

2005-04-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Jennifer N, who reads the syllabus more carefully than I do this time of year, the URLs for your websites are due on Monday May 9 by 6:00PM, not Monday May 2.
This should help many of you with your time management.

Thanks, Jenn, for checking on my error. Everyone should be very happy that you're on the case reading the syllabus! I know I am.

Blogdelirium Blow Out: End of Semester Big Bash

2005-04-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here are the rules

1. Blogging papers are turned in BY Wednesday night, April 27, at 6:00PM. That gives you enough time to add any final thoughts from the Blow Out blog party. Make sure I have yor blog papers by April 27 by 6:00PM. Yes, that means you can still hand in the paper on the 25th if you'd like.

2. NO PRESENTATION on the 25th. Instead, we have one last round of blogging as a group. You've all made the argument quite well that rather than presenting at this stage, you'd rather make one more blog party to see what has been updated.

3. You have to invite ONE friend, not from class, to blog with us. That outside person has to visit THREE sites, NOT including yours, and leave posts.

And yes, you still have a final website due the following Monday (as it is your "final exam"). You need to send me your URL (the web address where your site is located) by 6:00PM. I will review your sites as they come in and give grades.

You can pick up your blog papers anytime during the first week in May, Monday-Thursday from 4-6PM.

If you'd like, once I have everyone's web site address, I can post them here as links so everyone can visit. Just let me know.

Hope this clarifies people's concerns and helps them set their schedules for the last week and a half of class. We'll go over this again in class on Monday night, and you'll always be able to visit here and recheck the requirements.

The Presentations Have Been Voted Off The Island!

2005-04-14T00:56:00.000-04:00

Ok, ok...I'll look at the syllabus and see what we can do to have a final blog party. But, and I do mean BUT, you all have to be a workin' on those blogs...make 'em pretty, make 'em funny, give us something new.

One other thing. A couple of you said you might continue to blog if your friends got involved. Since anyone can blog from anywhere, I want everyone to invite one friend, significant other, relation, or person off the street to "crash the Blog Party"!

After all, what's a party if someone doesn't crash it? You have to invite someone NOT from class to tag along from his or her own computer and blog at least 3 sites that are not YOURS! You have the list. I'll repost the list next week.

So, if I remember correctly, April 26 was supposed to be the night everyone presented his or her blog, right? I'll check the syllabus and post this weekend on what we'll call "Blogdelirium Blow-Out: The End of Semester Blog Bash."

Stay Tuned....

Last Call...Blog Party Lights are Aflickerin'

2005-04-11T20:43:00.000-04:00

You can continue to post if you want to, but the party's closing down for tonight.

What did you think of the Blog Party experience...other than we jammed Blogger pretty good a couple of times, and my equipment malfunctions early on didn't help. Would you do another Blog Party?

Let's hear some feedback sometime in the next couple of days. And, Jenn N, I'll have the papers done for class on Monday. I promise! I read your post....

And, don't forget Vikki!

2005-04-11T20:12:00.000-04:00

devone.blogspot.com

Vikki's site got lost in the mix. My bad.

And, of course, here's Angel....

2005-04-11T19:59:00.000-04:00

WWW.ANGELISTHEMAN.BLOGSPOT.COM

Visit Angel's site and post lots. He's nagging me over the phone!

Add One More Site to Visit!

2005-04-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

This just in....

theblogette.blogspot.com

Sorry for the Technical Delays...Here are the Blog Sites!

2005-04-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

Here are the listings for everyone's sites that I have. If your site isn't listed, it's because you didn't get the site to me.

Most sites are at Blogger, but some are not. Be sure to type these as they are listed. I'm on a Mac because my PC doesn't want to respond to Rowan's system. I'll keep trying to get the PC up and going.

bewareofarneyscott.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/madison304
www.xanga.com/xOxOKBxOxO
wildandcrazydreams.blogspot.com
dixiewonders.blogspot.com
www.daysofzenn.blogspot.com
mondaypenrodclass.blogspot.com
yacketyak.blogspot.com
chebellablog.blogspot.com
mostembarrassingmoments.blogspot.com
adlaverne.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=bELIajEsika
ginasorority.blogspot.com
cathm017.blogspot.com
beccasbest.blogspot.com
giraffelvr.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=pearlleegates
mouseintheteapot.blogspot.com
seaver11.blogspot.com
asongforrhio.blogspot.com
currentmovies.blogspot.com
summerlvr.blogspot.com
ward101.blogspot.com
supastarr34.blogspot.com
thehomeworkblues.blogspot.com

Happy Blog Party!

It's spring...So we'll throw a Blog Party!

2005-04-10T18:25:00.000-04:00

Remember...Monday night is Blog Party night!

Here are the "rules" for our Blog Party....

1. EVERYONE needs to be somewhere blogging! I'll post the URLs for everyone's blog on Monday afternoon around 5PM, so nobody gets a head start. I think I have most everyone's blog, so if you still need to tweak to get that blog ready for Monday's adventure, better do so now! I've looked at all the blogs that have come in so far...Some look great, and others...well, you have a few hours left to get some stuff up there!

2. I'll be roaming the blogs and posting, too, during class time...so like Santa Claus, I'll know if you're being naughty (by bagging the Blog Party) or nice (helping others do their papers on their blog). Who knows...there may be something in store for the person who gets lots of classmates to blog on his or her site...never know if something is up Santa's (oops, I mean The Evil Doctor's) sleeve. Those who aren't blogging will receive 1/2 letter grade deduction on their papers on blogging (and that's about the equivalent to an academic piece of coal). The Blog Party was the class's idea, so you need to participate!

3. Be sure to keep some notes about the Blog Party experience to put in your papers, which I believe are due soon...check your syllabus for a reminder.

4. Have fun! Be as outrageous on your blogs as you want to be. Or, be as serious and as scholarly as you want to be. Blogs are an extension of your persona, your online self. Remember, this is a Blog Party! We're supposed to have fun.

Check here tomorrow after 5PM for the blog addresses. Until then, blog on! I'll be in my office after 4:30 tomorrow, so if you need to see me or email me or phone me, you can find me. I'll be in my office throughout class time in case you run into problems blogging.

Lissa Explains it All -- HTML Help and Tutorial

2005-04-04T16:19:00.000-04:00

Having problems getting your website up and going? Then, try this link!

Lissa Explains it All -- HTML Help and Tutorial for Kids

Thanks to Adria for sending me this information. Easy, and really good information!

MSNBC - Blogging Beyond the Men's Club

2005-04-03T00:43:00.000-05:00

A teacher friend of mine sent this. He thought you all might like to read how the mainstream press is talking about blogging. See what you think at

MSNBC - Blogging Beyond the Men's Club

Then, since we're talking about audience issues and other like topics when blog building, let us know how you respond to Levy's column: Is the blogosphere dominated by white males...?

"The Great Debate" and Blogging

2005-04-02T20:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, I hope everyone is set for Monday's "Great Debate." We'll debate the issues surrounding technology that Siva raised in his book (and including the issues like nanotech and other aspects that we've already covered in class)for an hour.

In the second half of the class, we're going to turn to developing your own blogs, so make sure you've read Part I of We Blog. Here are some things you should be thinking about if you haven't started working on your blog. Perhaps those of you who have been setting up your blogs might have ideas or comments to share. Please do.

1. What kind of blog do you want to have? Do you want to share stories about your day or some experiences (travel, schooling, so on)? Do you want to share expertise in an area where you excel (a hobby, perhaps)? Do you want to assert your individuality (rant, rave, yowl at the moon about particular issues you have with the world)? Do you want to chronicle an experience or an event so others can gain more insight?

2. Set some expectations for your blog. What are you willing to write about and what is off limits? Remember, we've talked about this before, and the book reiterates the same point, a potential employer might Google your name in the years ahead. Writing about that really cool party where you drank bongwater might be hysterical today, but could create problems in the future. Sketch out your expectations!

3. How much of your identity do you want to have online? Do you want to create a persona?

4. Think about the genre you'd like to write in...the book offers some ideas. What genre appeals to you as a writer?

Certainly you can test your ideas out with us. Twenty seven heads are often better than one. Those of you who have been blogging for a bit, let us in on your secrets for good blogging practices!

See you on Monday for The Great Debate!

Dad's msg: Schools need to limit cells

2005-03-29T14:59:00.000-05:00

Here's something for you all to think about considering we're having the "great debate" on more freedom vs. more control next week....

Dad's msg: Schools need to limit cells

Should teachers and schools have more control over students' cell phone use...especially when it comes to texting? Feel free to work on your responses here....

How closely do we want to have virtual worlds mirror the real world?

2005-03-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

That's the driving question behind Siva Vaidhyanathan's book.

Vaidhyanathan offers many examples in our lives where the battle between total control of information and total freedom of information exist. Some of those examples are probably quite familiar to you, like downloading music or videos. Others probably are not, but should be equally important issues in your future.

Now that you've read Vaidhyanathan's book (and I hope you did because topics from the book should show up in your next paper...), pick three examples he presents in the book and discuss whether those examples should be regulated (controlled) more closely or left to total freedom...and explain why you think your position is the correct one.

The cross talk was nice on the last post. Let's keep that up...and perhaps include more of you.

Easter Wishes

2005-03-26T00:38:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Easter Hip Hop! - FLOWGO.com

The New Information Based Workplace

2005-03-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a good break and are ready to finish the term!

Your reading over the break addressed not only how learning will change through increased technology, but also how work and workplace issues are being transformed. As companies grow "meaner and leaner," telecommuting (teleworking) is growing exponentially. Many industry studies place telecommuters at about 30% of the workforce, and in some corporate fields telecommuters can be as much as 90% of the workforce.

There have always been some occupations where at home/at work has not been separated: small businesses, sales representatives, freelancers and others frequently work out of the house. But, more positions, like public relations, advertising copywriters, magazine writers and columnists, and yes, even college professors (like those at the University of Phoenix or elsewhere) are becoming teleworking positions. Many large corporations like ATT, Lockheed, and others, hire great numbers of teleworkers.

Teleworking is very much current and will most likely increase in the future. You, your friends, or perhaps present or future life partners will face these issues in the workplace. The question for this week is,

Based on what you've read about teleworking, what are the benefits and disadvantages to such a situation?

You can address whether you think teleworking is something you'd like to pursue, or whether you think teleworking adds extra burdens to the worker.

And, as someone mentioned in our last meeting, no one does any cross posting. I agree. I'd like to see folks respond to what some others say on the blog. Not just in class, but on the blog as well. Let's get a little chatter going.

See you Monday night.

Students not the only ones under the gun in high stakes assessment

2005-03-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Read how technology is being used to monitor teachers so they don't cheat on state mandated exams...

eSchool News online

Students not the only ones under the gun in high stakes assessment

2005-03-14T19:25:00.000-05:00

Technology now is used to make sure teachers aren't cheating on state mandated exams. Read on...

eSchool News online

How is Learning and Knowledge Changing?

2005-03-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

Bored kid
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

This set of readings focuses on how we're changing learning, knowledge, and our uses of time through technology.

For the Writing Arts/Elementary Education students, what do you think of transforming learning in the ways described by Brown and Duguid? Since technology will be an important part of your teaching experience under NJCCS (NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards), how do you see this discussion affecting you in the future?

For everyone: What do you think about the ideas proposed that universities in their present brick and mortar state have about 30 more years to go?

Is learning changing? How have you seen the process change in the short time you have been using technology for information gathering/knowledge dissemination?

Loss for online publishers

2005-03-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Vikki sent this to me, and I thought some of you in class would like to know how a large corporation is dealing with the blogging phenomenon.

Yahoo! News - Loss for online publishers

High-tech high school puts the library online

2005-03-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

I know we've had this discussion in class, but some of you might be interested in seeing how a Florida high school is
managing the use of the Internet and the school library via Questia.

High-tech high school puts the library online

If you want to check out Questia, here's the URL:

Visit Questia

Class Next Week

2005-02-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

Case studies will still be due next week (now you have an evening or two to complete them!). And a new question will be posted on Saturday.

In the meantime, stay safe and dry.

Rowan Closing at 3 PM...Do NOT come to class!

2005-02-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

Here is the official link to the University's emergency announcement, if you haven't already been notified.

Rowan University - Emergency Information

See you next week, and stay off the roads!

The Changing World of Communication

2005-02-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

Cyber Cafe
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

This week, focus on the chapters in Haythornthwaite and Wellman on global use of the Internet and Syntopia.

What do you think about the use of the Internet around the world...will we have increased global communication, or is it as the Russian social commentator noted, "intellectual colonialism" because most of the Internet depends on English to communicate?

Then, too, consider the Syntopia research project in responding to this question...what are the social consequences and themes that might emerge from building a truly global village through the Internet? Do you think the Internet tools we have are having an ill or a good effect worldwide in terms of communicating with others around the globe? Is the Internet becoming that "third place" as Oldenburg (1991) describes on p.47 of Haythornthwaite and Wellman (that's why the photo of the Cyber Cafe is key this week, if you didn't get the connection)?

Also, a word about the weather...I'll be watching the Weather Channel and the Rowan web site starting early Monday afternoon. Since no one seems to know what we're facing on Monday, I'll post regular updates here to the blog. If school is closed or if I decide the weather is too dangerous for you all to venture out in (I know many of you have long commutes on Monday night), I'll post it here. Start looking for weather updates anytime after 2PM on Monday.

In the meantime, work on these questions and your blogs and your papers. You certainly have things to do!

Also, feel free to blog interesting things you find in your research to this site. Others might want to explore the same things you're finding!

I'll keep you posted on the weather. You keep me posted on what you're thinking about in the reading.

Technology sparks classes - 02/21/05

2005-02-24T00:36:00.000-05:00

Technology sparks classes - 02/21/05

This might be of special interest to those of you going into teaching. Some really great ideas for developing writing assignments through tech, and a couple of ways to think about getting cash to set up these ideas.

Can laptops help younger students improve their writing?

2005-02-22T00:37:00.000-05:00

eSchool News online

Ok, my technophiles, what do you think? Is there enough evidence from Maine and British Columbia for us to believe writing is improved when students use computers (laptops or desktops)...or, do we need more proof, and if so...what type of proof do we need?

Something for you teachers to think about!

For those of you taking or who have taken Evaluating Writing

2005-02-22T00:33:00.000-05:00

eSchool News online

Kentucky and several other states are moving to complete computer-based testing of students. This article will give you a little more information on the "next wave" of standardized testing.

Radio-Frequency ID tags for grade schoolers...what's next?

2005-02-22T00:28:00.000-05:00

eSchool News online

Thought you might be interested in reading about how one rural school in California was using radio-frequency identification tags for student attendance. Given our conversation tonight, this might give some of you a different look at how we can influence the technology around us.

Yahoo! News - Couple Build Startup Into Blog Powerhouse

2005-02-21T00:12:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News - Couple Build Startup Into Blog Powerhouse

Thanks to Vikki D for sending this! Thought you all might want to read up on
how two enterprising folks turned their blog into gold...

Entering the "information zone"

2005-02-19T18:06:00.001-05:00

Entering the "information zone"
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

This week we enter what I'll call "The Information Zone"...sort of like "The Twilight Zone" without Ron Serling's narrative.

On page 62 of _The Social Life of Information_ our authors present Anthony Giddens' quote, "The humanizing of technology is likely to involve the increasing introduction of moral issues into the now largely 'instrumental'."

Based on what you read this week, present two or three examples from the books where humanizing technology needs to be done. Or, equally engaging, find two or three examples in the books where you thought technology was humanized.

Explain why you thought those examples either address or refute Giddens' quote. We'll take those ideas up on Monday night...unless, of course, the "IMPENDING WINTER STORM" (cue scary music a la our local TV news stations) interferes.

Imagine if this were walking in your neighborhood

2005-02-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

mecha2
Originally uploaded by superporcel.

Dery discusses movies like "The Stepford Wives" and how other writers and artists create robotic humans. Given what we talked about last week regarding nanotechnology, what you're reading about in Dery regarding neruo-linguistic programming (p 232) and the incredible advances in biorobotics to help the injured, how close are we coming to what Dery describes in Chapters 5 and 6?

Compare Dery's discussion of sex and love on the Internet with Wallace's. How is the Internet changing the ways in which some of us think about sex and love?

Lastly, how do you respond to Wallace's last question: What is so compelling about the Internet?

What will the next generation of Internet users (those who are in their pre-teens and teens now) do with cyberspace? And who will guide them in their decisions to use the Internet in more altruistic ways, if that is the way of future Internet use?

What is in your mind

2005-02-05T16:41:00.000-05:00

What is in your mind
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Feel free to write this week about what you're thinking about Wallace or Dery. Or Wallace AND Dery. I'll use your thoughts to interweave with the material for class on Monday.

Here's some stuff I've been thinking about, if you want a prompt to work with to get you going:

--Dery's culture of cyberspace is dark and dangerous. I wonder how much of Dery's population dominate the Internet. Is Dery's focus of study a large percentage of online life that I'm missing, or is it a fringe group that appeals to Dery in some way?

-- Wallace's findings intrigue me, especially the online behaviors people take on. In my professional dealings with listservs, most of the time people are far more collegial and friendly on line than they might be during the day. I have some theories about this, but I wondered if you all might have encountered similar experiences in your own dealings with professors and such in online vs. F2F (face to face) situations. And if so, why do you think there is a difference?

Anyway, feel free to post what you like: good, bad, or indifferent. I want to take up your views when we cover this material on Monday. Remember, there is no penalty for expressing what is in your mind....

Filling the Head

2005-01-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

Filling the Head
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

By now you should have downloaded, printed, and read Judy Bachrach's article that I went over in class...

I know the Dery and Wallace books may/may not be in yet, but we can begin anyway. Here are two questions I want you to discuss online. Remember, click on the area that says "comments" to post your view.

Wallace says in the first couple of chapters that online persona is playing a huge role in first impressions we have of people nowadays. Because we spend so much time online and not as much time face-to-face, we jump to conclusions about others faster than ever before.

Dery makes the point that we're entering a cultural phase he calls "escape velocity" the "speed at which a body overcomes the gravitational pull of another body" and that information moves so rapidly, instantaneously, and continuously we find ourselves overwhelmed. Our bodies are so overcome with the pull of speedy and infinite information that we're moving toward escape velocity as a culture.

Two questions are

1.) If Wallace is correct about online persona, then what should we think about the two British boys -- were the two jumping to conclusions about the other's personality or were they in a type of escape velocity that only murder could end?

2.) If Dery is correct that our culture is moving quickly toward escape velocity, should we expect more of these dangerous or violent situations to occur in cyberspace?

Try to tackle both. Remember, these are thinking questions. There is no right or wrong answer. We'll discuss your ideas in class Monday night.

The Books Are/Aren't In....

2005-01-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Don't panic. We can still move forward. If you did get the Dery and Wallace books, great. If you didn't, we can work around that. But keep trying the bookstore. Things are delivered almost every day, sometimes twice a day.

In the meantime, get a copy of the Vanity Fair article I went over during class. Judy Bachrach's "U Want Me to Kill Him?" Either Google "Judy Bachrach" or go to vanityfair.com and look it up under the "commentary" section. If you subscribe to or purchase Vanity Fair, it's the current issue.

If you do have Dery and Wallace's books, then the questions I post will make sense. If you don't have the books, you can still respond -- it's that you might not be as clear on what Dery or Wallace is talking about (and I will post selected quotes to help you).

See you on Saturday!

Clearing the Way

2005-01-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

Clearing the Way
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Well, I guess we all thought there would be a day off from class tonight, right? I know I did....What a cheap "blizzard."

I suppose everyone should have shaken off his or her hangover from the Eagles' win by now. After all, class starts at 6:30 PM, and if you aren't finished with that head pounding, then it's not our fault.

Welcome to all the new registrants to the class. This is the largest class I've taught in about 5 years, so we'll see how everything goes. I'll be contacting the bookstore to make sure more copies are ordered once I check the roster to be sure everyone's in the right spot. I only ordered 25 copies. Didn't expect the influx of students. Really.

IF YOU'RE TRYING TO ADD COMMENTS.... all you have to do is click on where it says "0 comments" or however many comments there may be. If you find you want to email me personally, then click on the envelope. I might have gone too quickly through this in class.

So what if all this cyberstuff really is post 1960s anarchy?

2005-01-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Magic Bus...
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Mark Dery argues that much of cyberculture is just one mass post-1960s movement...it's as if the 1970s anarcho-punks got with technology and set the world in motion. Of course, our other author, Wallace, sees the psychology of the Internet a bit differently. She finds it to be a bit more complex than someone forgetting to close the doors of the VW Bus so the smoke won't escape. (Get the joke...VW Bus graphic on the page?)

Your first question to think about as you read Dery and Wallace: What should we make of this Internet-driven society?

Think about where Dery and Wallace coincide and where they diverge in their views. We know now that the Internet can be used for good and not so good things...We also realize the Internet isn't just "a toy" to play with unwisely.

Think too about how the Internet has affected you and the way you think and write. The first big breakthroughs for mass use of the Internet came in the mid-1990s, when most of you were either little kids or maybe in high school (ok, some of you were grown ups then, too). How has this technology changed your life and the way you do things?

Feel free to post as much as you want. There is no right or wrong answer. The idea is to get you talking & writing about and thinking through technology.

Time to get your heads off the table and back to the books!

2005-01-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

Drunk Slacker
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Ok folks,

Classes are almost back in session. Time to dry out a bit and get the redness out of the eyes (I recommend Real Tears over Visine).

If you need to do an add/drop to handle the class change from Wednesday to Monday nights, please do so immediately.

Books will be at the bookstore soon. Until then, we'll work through the blog here.

City of Electronics

2005-01-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

City of Electronics
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

Mark Dery's book Escape Velocity always makes me think of this photo. I wonder what American culture will be like in 5, 10, 15, or 20 years from now. Perhaps something like this...or maybe the "return of the Luddites" will happen.

Blogdeliria

2004-01-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Blogdeliria
Originally uploaded by Blogdelirium.

The joy, the bliss of entering the delirium of blogging...I've been playing around with this blog for a little while, trying to get a sense of how to bring my students into the world of blogging. I can see lots of uses for writers (especially beginning ones) to blog.

Anyway, I figure most readers of this blog will be my students. I'm teaching a class in Writing, Research, and Technology this coming term, and I'll be making sure students visit on a regular basis. Stay tuned and we'll see how this little "experiment" evolves....

Diane