WRT 235 Reflection
Overall this semester, I have learned a lot about writing and rhetoric. Considering the various ways we have accessed, analyzed, and created content, I can confidently say that I am now able to answer questions from the class objectives that I was unable to answer before. For instance, to answer the question “what are the most respectful negotiating behaviors when collaborating?” I can draw back from the experience I had creating our project with my partner Shedrick. Since this was my first time creating such an interactive project with another person, I was given the opportunity to practice respectfully bouncing ideas and evolving an idea into a professional finished product. Some helpful techniques I picked up along the way include sharing my perspective, while accepting the other’s perspective, even if different, and accepting the fact that they may be different and that we don’t need to agree on everything. To negotiate what ideas/ content should be included, it’s helpful to bring up the idea of the audience and purpose of the project to further clarify what aligns with them. Next, to answer “how can an author best use current technologies to produce/ deliver written text?” I would definitely say being aware and knowledgeable in the options of delivery is essential. Thanks to this class, I am more aware of the options we have to produce and deliver written text and have actual practice at developing a blog, which is a very popular way to share information these days. When we are aware of what sources are most accessible and beneficial for our audience, we are better able to serve their needs. To answer “what are the best options for text production and circulation in each situation?” I again would return to the audience. The best option depends on what the information is, who it is intended for, and how they would best be able to access it. Now, “how can a writer design visually effective texts using appropriate technology?” Gets a bit more specific. To do this, there are many things to consider, including theme, aesthetic, reading pattern, and what needs to be highlighted. By utilizing tools like preprogrammed website themes and strategic planning for where the reader’s eyes should automatically go, texts can be created in a way that is powerfully intended to meet a specific goal. Another question I am now better able to answer is “how should a writer arrange texts appropriate to the rhetorical situation?” From reading other writers share their response to rhetorical situations like “is google making us stupid,” I’ve noticed that it is helpful by starting off by stating the question/ dilemma/ statement at hand. Then, writer may share past research, the opinions of others, or even a personal story which evolves into their conclusion/ perspective on the topic. Finally, “what are the affordances and limitations of specific technologies, genres, and electronic writing tools?” Well, the fact that some people do not have access to computers or the interest at all should be stated. Also, some people do not have the digital literacy to access certain corners of the internet or to understand the purpose and message of some pieces of writing. Other people’s biases and backgrounds may immediately block out what they are reading somewhere. Everything has limitations of its own, but more specifically as an example, a limitation of economic articles may be misinterpreted or ignored by uneducated people who simply do not understand it. In conclusion, I feel satisfied with the knowledge I have gained this semester and would love to continue my ability to create online content that is appropriately targeted towards a specific audience in a way that is well received and easily accessed by many.
