"Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world."
-- Albert Einstein
Take Time to Reflect
As a writer, I believe Writing, Research, and Technology has positively impacted my writing skills. I have not only developed my writing skills, but the varying ways in which I can present and publish my writings.
The first night of class, Professor Mangini discussed that I would be designing my own website. I was delighted. Although I had some reserve as to how I would accomplish this great feat, I had every confidence that I would be able to attain this goal with proper instruction. My first assignment was the Twitterive Assignment, and thus the task of setting up my website began. After some technical snags, I found myself spending countless hours making the site my own. I played with color, font, pictures, and style. I felt that as a writer, my presentation of my work held equal value as the content of my writings.
Once I set up Weebly, I began to reflect on a good title for my website. After quite a few edits, I came up with the title, “Minding My Writing.” I believe this title was appropriate because as a writer, I am always mindful of the words, stories, and creative arts I produce. I am aware of my surroundings, I choose my wordage to meet my thoughts, and I keep my audience in mind during the process. I believe by minding my writing, I am an effective writer.
Throughout my schooling as a Writing Arts major, one resounding repetend has been addressed, “Show, Don’t Tell.” Keeping this notion in mind, as I reflected upon my progress as a writer throughout this course, I cannot help but think my Weebly website does exactly that. It “shows” my progress. As I peruse through my site, I appreciate who I was as writer prior to this course in comparison to the writer I am today after experiencing the notion of writing through the use of multimodal presentations and technology.
In addition to depicting my writing progress, the website demonstrates who I am as a writer as well as why I write. My thoughts and viewpoints are expressed in varying ways. My work speaks for itself. Highlights and reflections of my accomplishments can be seen through my Twitterive, Oral History, and Collaborative Research Project.
Twitterive
My answer as to whether Tweeting made me more mindful and connected to my environment is a resounding "YES!"
During the onset of the Twitterive assignment, I found it very difficult to find time to take Twitpics and post Tweets. I began to do what I am very famous for..."stress." I wanted to compose a quality multi modal Twitterive and I knew the impact my Tweeting played on achieving that success. So making time to take Twitpics and posting Tweets started out as a chore to achieve my goal.
Well, once I took the first few Twitpics, my mindset changed. What started out as me "looking" for things to Twitpic and Tweet slowly changed to things piquing my curiosity. I started to notice the sky and the sun. The roadways all seemed to speak to me. At the same time, the more I noticed my surroundings, the more memories of my past began to surround me. Eventually, I found myself noticing parts of my past and hopes for my future within my daily surroundings. The clouds reminded me of my childhood when we would lie in the park and look for recognizable figures. The roadways brought back memories of the places I had been and the people they led me to visit.
Suddenly, I realized that I have been so busy living each day, trying to get by, I forgot who I was and how I got as far as I have in my life. I became more mindful of the quiet, the noise, the people, the places...and I created a Tweet or took a Twitpic to validate my thoughts and surroundings.
Soon, my life began to play out in my thoughts. While driving, I realized I have traveled many miles and experienced many people and places...literally and figuratively. This led me to relating my life...who I am and what influences have formed me, to driving. Throughout my Twitterive, I used the repetend of driving...knowing my past, seeing the road ahead, and the influences life choices have made on me.
Although the Twitterive assignment is coming to an end, with a new project is forming on its heels, I know my Twitterive has changed me. I am changed for "GOOD." I realize that each day my life is moving forward...sometimes in the fast lane, sometimes a little slower, and once in a while it may be at a standstill....through it all, I am more appreciative my surroundings. I am ever mindful that as I take this drive through life, my very being is being formed and transformed...infused by my choices...impacting my inner being.
Oral History
As a child, I remember interviewing my parents and grandparents for school assignments. I also remember listening to my grandparents tell stories about their childhood. I was always intrigued by their experiences. My level of comfort was always high because they were my family members who I loved and cherished. Their stories only drew me closer into their loves. Therefore, when I interviewed Mrs. Goldyn, I did not feel awkward or strange. But I did feel grateful to get to hear her story on learning literacy. I also welcomed the opportunity to get to know Mrs. Goldyn on a higher level. Her experiences as a child made me appreciate her more for the person she is today.
As Mrs. Goldyn and I walked to the P.E. Teacher's office to conduct our first interview, she asked, "This isn't going to take long is it?" As much as I find many Senior citizens are impatient these days always wanting to keep things moving along, I think she was a bit nervous about what I was going to ask her. Although she was fully aware that I wanted to talk about her literacy experience, I think some of her past, especially admitting her parents were illiterate, may have made her feel uneasy.
During the interview, Mrs. Goldyn said several times, "my life was dull." Yet the more questions I asked, the more her memories were recalled and relayed to me. I think she surprised herself to realize she does have a lot of history to share about her childhood and family. By recalling her school experiences, she was compelled to remember her friends and neighbors who she has long forgotten. Once we were finished our first interview, I said, "See you life was not dull. And I am happy to hear all about your childhood. I find it very interesting." Mrs. Goldyn walked back to her desk a bit taller than I remember her to be, and most impressively with a warm smile on her face. Her concern to be quick seemed to be a vague memory as our interview lasted much longer that she had thought it would.
I have since interviewed Mrs. Goldyn a second time. I found it very amusing when I would turn off the digital voice recorder to indicate I had all the information I needed for the time being and she would start to tell a story. I would have to ask her to hold her thought so I could turn the DVR back on again. I would no sooner ask if she would like to add anything else, she would respond “No” and then she would again add another story. I, as the interviewer wanting to learn all I could would keep clicking the record button. I love the fact that Mrs. Goldyn wanted to share her story with me. Her divulging her private past to me, made me feel significant.
My only struggle with the interview was trying not to add my thoughts and feelings to the memories Mrs. Goldyn shared with me. I often found myself wanting to share my grandparents’ struggles and stories of the past with her since they had some similar experiences. As an interviewer, I know it is important to make the interviewee feel comfortable, yet it is equally important to let them tell their story devoid of my thoughts.
I enjoyed my role as an interviewer. I found the task to be rewarding. I feel as though I have grown as a writer. By doing this interview, I will be creating an oral history of Mrs. Goldyn’s life from her viewpoint. This will be a unique experience for me since all the stories I have every written about concerned fictitious characters. I look forward to working through the oral history process and seeing my finished creative nonfiction piece come to life.
Collaborative Research
Reflecting on the Process
To begin our Collaborative Research project, Madeline, Paula, Taylor, and I discussed the many riveting details of the movie Food Inc. We discussed the key points that led us to want to know more. The one resounding topic that entered all of our minds was the use of ammonia in meat filler. None of us were aware of the fact that not only was ammonia used, but what the underlying health risks would be. Based on our current knowledge, ammonia was a highly potent and gaseous cleaning product. As a group, we decided to each set out and do some independent research and form ideas on how we should approach the project.
The following week we met and had learned many new things. First, we were made of the fact that ammonia is actually produced in the body and within the environment. The controversy arises as to how much ammonia is deemed safe within the human body. At the same time, we were able to devise a plan as to the elements we felt were important to our Collaborative Research Paper. We felt it was key to bring awareness to consumers as well as present the factual information about ammonia and its varying uses.
At this point, we each took a section of paper that we would like to investigate and to report our findings. In order to effectively collaborate, we set up a Google Doc. This technological tool affords us the opportunity to not only write our own sections, but to help each other through the editing process. We were also able to collaborate in effectively making the paper cohesive and have a natural, appealing flow and presentation.
While in the process of forming our written piece, we were able to add other forms of genres to help enhance our piece. The idea of adding a video clip as well as conducting our own survey came to light. We all agreed this would add a nice touch to our Research paper.
Reflecting on the Polished Product
First, I would like to publicly say what a joy it has been to work with Paula, Madeline, and Taylor. Although we have much in common, as writers our thinking varies. Yet, through the process of collaborating our research, our unique writing talents have helped us produce a product of which I am not only proud of, but one in which I could not have done alone. Our Collaborative Research Paper meshes our thoughts and our creativity to form a unique writing piece.
The Google Doc feature was priceless to us. Through the use of this technological tool, we were able to collaborate no matter where we were or the time of day. We could discuss through the “chat” box any questions or points with which we needed help. We were also able to edit each other’s sections as needed.
The finished product includes a traditional research paper, a video clip, a chart depicting our survey results, and a glimpse of the Google Doc we used to collaborate on our piece. The research section contains the facts about ammonia, the purposes for which ammonia is used, a highlighted section of how it specifically used in meat manufacturing, and finally, a section discussing possible alternatives to ammonia as meat filler.
We included a clip to reinforce to the reader the risk of using ammonia and to connect the reader to a personal testimonial of how ammonia affects our food. The video clip is very compelling and we felt the reader would be just as horrified to hear the meat manufacturing process as we were. The pie chart depicts the incredible issue of awareness. The fact that, as chart indicates, an overwhelming number of people do not realize that ammonia is used in meat manufacturing solidifies one of the key points of our paper. Most people are not aware, and therefore do not know to challenge or question the health risks.
Ultimately, the goal of our paper was to bring awareness to people regarding ammonia and how ammonia is used in manufacturing beef. I think we accomplished this goal, at least within the realm of our world.
Moving Forward
As I continue on my journey to becoming an established writer, I feel my experiences and new found knowledge gained from Writing, Research, and Technology has afforded me a sound base to taking on new challenges. My viewpoint and vantage point of where I go from here is much clearer. My mindset as to how I can effectively reach my audience by incorporating new venues, such as this website, has been broadened.
In addition, by completing the aforementioned assignments, I have taken on the role of writing about myself, interviewing and writing about others, and researching academic topics collaboratively. As a writer, varying my roles has given me a greater awareness and deeper understanding of how I can be an effective writer by creating pieces that are more appealing to my reader. In reflecting on how I have advanced from writing the traditional text to paper stories onto to using Twitter, blogs, and websites, I believe my writing skills have been profoundly impacted. After taking this course, I feel confident that I have become a more effective writer.
The first night of class, Professor Mangini discussed that I would be designing my own website. I was delighted. Although I had some reserve as to how I would accomplish this great feat, I had every confidence that I would be able to attain this goal with proper instruction. My first assignment was the Twitterive Assignment, and thus the task of setting up my website began. After some technical snags, I found myself spending countless hours making the site my own. I played with color, font, pictures, and style. I felt that as a writer, my presentation of my work held equal value as the content of my writings.
Once I set up Weebly, I began to reflect on a good title for my website. After quite a few edits, I came up with the title, “Minding My Writing.” I believe this title was appropriate because as a writer, I am always mindful of the words, stories, and creative arts I produce. I am aware of my surroundings, I choose my wordage to meet my thoughts, and I keep my audience in mind during the process. I believe by minding my writing, I am an effective writer.
Throughout my schooling as a Writing Arts major, one resounding repetend has been addressed, “Show, Don’t Tell.” Keeping this notion in mind, as I reflected upon my progress as a writer throughout this course, I cannot help but think my Weebly website does exactly that. It “shows” my progress. As I peruse through my site, I appreciate who I was as writer prior to this course in comparison to the writer I am today after experiencing the notion of writing through the use of multimodal presentations and technology.
In addition to depicting my writing progress, the website demonstrates who I am as a writer as well as why I write. My thoughts and viewpoints are expressed in varying ways. My work speaks for itself. Highlights and reflections of my accomplishments can be seen through my Twitterive, Oral History, and Collaborative Research Project.
Twitterive
My answer as to whether Tweeting made me more mindful and connected to my environment is a resounding "YES!"
During the onset of the Twitterive assignment, I found it very difficult to find time to take Twitpics and post Tweets. I began to do what I am very famous for..."stress." I wanted to compose a quality multi modal Twitterive and I knew the impact my Tweeting played on achieving that success. So making time to take Twitpics and posting Tweets started out as a chore to achieve my goal.
Well, once I took the first few Twitpics, my mindset changed. What started out as me "looking" for things to Twitpic and Tweet slowly changed to things piquing my curiosity. I started to notice the sky and the sun. The roadways all seemed to speak to me. At the same time, the more I noticed my surroundings, the more memories of my past began to surround me. Eventually, I found myself noticing parts of my past and hopes for my future within my daily surroundings. The clouds reminded me of my childhood when we would lie in the park and look for recognizable figures. The roadways brought back memories of the places I had been and the people they led me to visit.
Suddenly, I realized that I have been so busy living each day, trying to get by, I forgot who I was and how I got as far as I have in my life. I became more mindful of the quiet, the noise, the people, the places...and I created a Tweet or took a Twitpic to validate my thoughts and surroundings.
Soon, my life began to play out in my thoughts. While driving, I realized I have traveled many miles and experienced many people and places...literally and figuratively. This led me to relating my life...who I am and what influences have formed me, to driving. Throughout my Twitterive, I used the repetend of driving...knowing my past, seeing the road ahead, and the influences life choices have made on me.
Although the Twitterive assignment is coming to an end, with a new project is forming on its heels, I know my Twitterive has changed me. I am changed for "GOOD." I realize that each day my life is moving forward...sometimes in the fast lane, sometimes a little slower, and once in a while it may be at a standstill....through it all, I am more appreciative my surroundings. I am ever mindful that as I take this drive through life, my very being is being formed and transformed...infused by my choices...impacting my inner being.
Oral History
As a child, I remember interviewing my parents and grandparents for school assignments. I also remember listening to my grandparents tell stories about their childhood. I was always intrigued by their experiences. My level of comfort was always high because they were my family members who I loved and cherished. Their stories only drew me closer into their loves. Therefore, when I interviewed Mrs. Goldyn, I did not feel awkward or strange. But I did feel grateful to get to hear her story on learning literacy. I also welcomed the opportunity to get to know Mrs. Goldyn on a higher level. Her experiences as a child made me appreciate her more for the person she is today.
As Mrs. Goldyn and I walked to the P.E. Teacher's office to conduct our first interview, she asked, "This isn't going to take long is it?" As much as I find many Senior citizens are impatient these days always wanting to keep things moving along, I think she was a bit nervous about what I was going to ask her. Although she was fully aware that I wanted to talk about her literacy experience, I think some of her past, especially admitting her parents were illiterate, may have made her feel uneasy.
During the interview, Mrs. Goldyn said several times, "my life was dull." Yet the more questions I asked, the more her memories were recalled and relayed to me. I think she surprised herself to realize she does have a lot of history to share about her childhood and family. By recalling her school experiences, she was compelled to remember her friends and neighbors who she has long forgotten. Once we were finished our first interview, I said, "See you life was not dull. And I am happy to hear all about your childhood. I find it very interesting." Mrs. Goldyn walked back to her desk a bit taller than I remember her to be, and most impressively with a warm smile on her face. Her concern to be quick seemed to be a vague memory as our interview lasted much longer that she had thought it would.
I have since interviewed Mrs. Goldyn a second time. I found it very amusing when I would turn off the digital voice recorder to indicate I had all the information I needed for the time being and she would start to tell a story. I would have to ask her to hold her thought so I could turn the DVR back on again. I would no sooner ask if she would like to add anything else, she would respond “No” and then she would again add another story. I, as the interviewer wanting to learn all I could would keep clicking the record button. I love the fact that Mrs. Goldyn wanted to share her story with me. Her divulging her private past to me, made me feel significant.
My only struggle with the interview was trying not to add my thoughts and feelings to the memories Mrs. Goldyn shared with me. I often found myself wanting to share my grandparents’ struggles and stories of the past with her since they had some similar experiences. As an interviewer, I know it is important to make the interviewee feel comfortable, yet it is equally important to let them tell their story devoid of my thoughts.
I enjoyed my role as an interviewer. I found the task to be rewarding. I feel as though I have grown as a writer. By doing this interview, I will be creating an oral history of Mrs. Goldyn’s life from her viewpoint. This will be a unique experience for me since all the stories I have every written about concerned fictitious characters. I look forward to working through the oral history process and seeing my finished creative nonfiction piece come to life.
Collaborative Research
Reflecting on the Process
To begin our Collaborative Research project, Madeline, Paula, Taylor, and I discussed the many riveting details of the movie Food Inc. We discussed the key points that led us to want to know more. The one resounding topic that entered all of our minds was the use of ammonia in meat filler. None of us were aware of the fact that not only was ammonia used, but what the underlying health risks would be. Based on our current knowledge, ammonia was a highly potent and gaseous cleaning product. As a group, we decided to each set out and do some independent research and form ideas on how we should approach the project.
The following week we met and had learned many new things. First, we were made of the fact that ammonia is actually produced in the body and within the environment. The controversy arises as to how much ammonia is deemed safe within the human body. At the same time, we were able to devise a plan as to the elements we felt were important to our Collaborative Research Paper. We felt it was key to bring awareness to consumers as well as present the factual information about ammonia and its varying uses.
At this point, we each took a section of paper that we would like to investigate and to report our findings. In order to effectively collaborate, we set up a Google Doc. This technological tool affords us the opportunity to not only write our own sections, but to help each other through the editing process. We were also able to collaborate in effectively making the paper cohesive and have a natural, appealing flow and presentation.
While in the process of forming our written piece, we were able to add other forms of genres to help enhance our piece. The idea of adding a video clip as well as conducting our own survey came to light. We all agreed this would add a nice touch to our Research paper.
Reflecting on the Polished Product
First, I would like to publicly say what a joy it has been to work with Paula, Madeline, and Taylor. Although we have much in common, as writers our thinking varies. Yet, through the process of collaborating our research, our unique writing talents have helped us produce a product of which I am not only proud of, but one in which I could not have done alone. Our Collaborative Research Paper meshes our thoughts and our creativity to form a unique writing piece.
The Google Doc feature was priceless to us. Through the use of this technological tool, we were able to collaborate no matter where we were or the time of day. We could discuss through the “chat” box any questions or points with which we needed help. We were also able to edit each other’s sections as needed.
The finished product includes a traditional research paper, a video clip, a chart depicting our survey results, and a glimpse of the Google Doc we used to collaborate on our piece. The research section contains the facts about ammonia, the purposes for which ammonia is used, a highlighted section of how it specifically used in meat manufacturing, and finally, a section discussing possible alternatives to ammonia as meat filler.
We included a clip to reinforce to the reader the risk of using ammonia and to connect the reader to a personal testimonial of how ammonia affects our food. The video clip is very compelling and we felt the reader would be just as horrified to hear the meat manufacturing process as we were. The pie chart depicts the incredible issue of awareness. The fact that, as chart indicates, an overwhelming number of people do not realize that ammonia is used in meat manufacturing solidifies one of the key points of our paper. Most people are not aware, and therefore do not know to challenge or question the health risks.
Ultimately, the goal of our paper was to bring awareness to people regarding ammonia and how ammonia is used in manufacturing beef. I think we accomplished this goal, at least within the realm of our world.
Moving Forward
As I continue on my journey to becoming an established writer, I feel my experiences and new found knowledge gained from Writing, Research, and Technology has afforded me a sound base to taking on new challenges. My viewpoint and vantage point of where I go from here is much clearer. My mindset as to how I can effectively reach my audience by incorporating new venues, such as this website, has been broadened.
In addition, by completing the aforementioned assignments, I have taken on the role of writing about myself, interviewing and writing about others, and researching academic topics collaboratively. As a writer, varying my roles has given me a greater awareness and deeper understanding of how I can be an effective writer by creating pieces that are more appealing to my reader. In reflecting on how I have advanced from writing the traditional text to paper stories onto to using Twitter, blogs, and websites, I believe my writing skills have been profoundly impacted. After taking this course, I feel confident that I have become a more effective writer.
Six Word Memoirs by Lisa Murphy
By driving ideas forward, masterpieces unfold.