Student blogging
plays a central role in the my business report writing syllabus. Students are
required to provide status updates for on-going projects within the classroom
context and otherwise. Kathleen Yancey's
note about the creation of a writing public articulates my vision; "no one
is making anyone do any of this writing." Yancey's first category or
quartet of composition explains the rapid development of new literary genres
and the connection to advancements in technology. Novels grew in popularity
during the industrial revolution and we've witnessed similar growth in blogging
in the 21st century. Google's dictionary defines blogs as, "a regularly
updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group,
that is written in an informal or conversational style." Since many of us
regularly update our social media feeds, I would argue that the vast majority
of American adults are avid bloggers. Is anyone making us blog religiously?
Personally, I find it difficult to avoid
updating my social media outlets. I can actually drop digital objects onto/from
my blog for this class from my handheld device. Since I'm so familiar with this
medium, there's no barrier keeping me from engaging. Ultimately, I want to
create a space where students will write without prompt. I believe this
requires ownership of the contact point on the student's behalf. Deciding what
social platform students will engage in the most is a moot discussion. It's
naïve to expect uniform engagement and vain to plan to influence any
millennial's social favorites. Therefore, I propose allowing the student's to
choose their blogging outlet. I imagine plenty of student's would choose
Facebook because of it's ubiquity. However, I'd accept platforms such as; Instagram,
Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat etc. Here are the rules to the assignment;
- Frequency is determined by statistical class average determined by a survey responses.
- Topics must be consistently relevant to an on-going project objective.
- The audience must include project stakeholders and reach at least 100 people.
- Special recognition will be given to the most Influential Students for outstanding performance in public reach and original thought.
- Four directed blogs will discuss elements of the project life-cycle: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Closing & Monitoring/Control.
- Justification reports will be submitted via online course discussion board on a weekly basis
Ideally, the
frequency of the assignments will match the trending pace of engagement of the
class. I imagine the typical student posts on social media between 3-5
times per week. Allowing a natural pace
of engagement will hopefully foster an understanding of project update
requirements. Allowing students to choose their topic will likely forge a sense
of ownership. Thus, motivating research for intrinsic value. Requiring a broad
reach will help students establish a genuine voice and develop sense of
community amongst their listeners. Recognizing outstanding practices will
introduce students to idea-sharing within a competitive market. Following the
project life-cycle will expose students the practical utility of multi-modal
project updates. Finally, justifying their posts with periodic briefings will
ensure a level of accountability mirroring a professional environment.
Eventually, the students will establish their own composition style within
their own space.
Yancey states that
creating a writing public creates citizens with, "the ability to write for
purposes that are unconstrained and audiences that are nearly unlimited."
I believe this assignment will compliment the in-class discussion and cross-cultural
values represented in the remaining parts of the syllabus. Meanwhile, students
will realize the immeasurable value of the written word.
