· Where do you and your research, professional, teaching interests fit it? What’s the impact of Web 2.0, online publishing on you?
Although I am not a Technical Communication student, I am neither strictly a literature student. As I have not ever planned on staying in academia, my intent when choosing classes for my M.A. was to take courses that would not only give me knowledge regarding works of literature but also skills that would prepare me for a career in editing. As a result, I have taken a broad array of classes, but this semester is my first to take Technical Communication classes. This semester has certainly been useful in giving me extremely useful skills insofar as preparing me for a real world career goes.
Considering my lack of a defined concentration in my M.A., my research interests do not directly relate to literature. Instead, my research interests tend to gravitate toward how to effectively communicate and instruct others (as can be seen through the subject matter of most of the projects completed for this course). Online Publishing has allowed me to better recognize my interests in this area. I have been tutoring ESL students for over two years and teaching Freshman Composition in the classroom for one, but I never realized the appeal actual instruction had until I created the podcast and interactive module. It is not only the human interaction that I enjoy but also the overall effect of instruction.
Regarding my teaching interests, as stated above, I am less interested in teaching from a classroom setting as I am in the actual aspect of instruction. This course has been invaluable in giving me the capability to create deliverables that can be used for instruction. Truly the idea of creating a podcast or module for the sake of teaching never occurred to me. After this course, however, I am really surprised that more pieces such as these are not taken advantage of. As much as we are about to encounter Web 3.0, though, I think that Web 2.0 is still yet to be fully embraced. I have been in an academic setting for the past several years of my life and although I am aware and have been aware of the types of articles available through Web 2.0, such as podcasts, blogs, and modules, to name a few, I have not been an active user of them. The Web, to me, is still something that I go to and not the other way around.
However, after taking this class and seen the ease with which Web 2.0 is used, I think that it ought to be taken advantage of outside of strictly the Technical Communication Department. I do not plan on remaining an instructor on a permanent basis, but for as long as I am (which might or might not be another year), I will certainly take advantage of the lessons of the course regarding the functionality and usefulness of the pushing of web products. Even doing something as simple as requiring students to maintain a class blog will take advantage of Web 2.0 in that it will keep students writing as well as make clear to them that writing is often a public act. The idea of having a class wiki is also an area I might explore further as it will certainly be an exchange of knowledge.
Professionally, it is my ultimate goal to become an editor. I have done work reviewing textbook proposals, and this area seems most appealing as it combines my interest in instruction with my acclimation toward technical correctness. The activities completed in the course and lessons regarding Web 2.0 are useful in that editing is becoming more and more an act that is not done in person but is instead done via an exchange through the Web. Knowing how to create functional pieces and put them onto the Web will speak to my capability as an editor. Editing is more than grammar and content; an effective and hirable editor must demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of anything regarding an exchange of ideas. I need to be familiar with the tricks of the all kinds of mediums because it affects the style of communication and the way clients manipulate information. Thus, this course has been undoubtedly useful in acquainting me with varying styles through aspects on Web 2.0.
Overall, this course has been useful on multiple levels. Whether I continue teaching or not, the ability to instruct via Web 2.0 will not be lost on me.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Orleans
I went to New Orleans this past week/weekend for a conference, and the city totally surprised me. All the fanfare I'd heard about Mardi Gras and Bourbon street did not prepare me for what I encountered. Truly, New Orleans, at least the French Quarter, is like a different kind of America. It is not so much sinful or gluttonous; no-- it is just more free. People are thoroughly enjoying themselves by mid-afternoon, and it was really quite a new experience to see people so at ease. Granted, the alcohol didn't necessarily hurt the relaxation, but nonetheless, people walked with a lighter (albeit haphazard) step, and I liked it.
As far as the conference goes, it was my first conference presentation, so I was nervous to say the least. I prepared and prepared and practiced repeatedly before my presentation day came. And then it came. And as I was about 3 minutes into my paper, fire alarms went off. We had to evacuate. As soon as we got downstairs, we were told that it was a false alarm and we could return. So we got back. My time was already considerably reduced. I start reading again. Two minutes later, they go off again. Needless to say, it was not a smooth or exactly fun presentation. But, I laughed it off, summarized my paper as opposed to reading it completely, and in the end, I think I got my main ideas across. So while it wasn't the best first experience, at least all my future ones have to go smoother, aye?
As far as the conference goes, it was my first conference presentation, so I was nervous to say the least. I prepared and prepared and practiced repeatedly before my presentation day came. And then it came. And as I was about 3 minutes into my paper, fire alarms went off. We had to evacuate. As soon as we got downstairs, we were told that it was a false alarm and we could return. So we got back. My time was already considerably reduced. I start reading again. Two minutes later, they go off again. Needless to say, it was not a smooth or exactly fun presentation. But, I laughed it off, summarized my paper as opposed to reading it completely, and in the end, I think I got my main ideas across. So while it wasn't the best first experience, at least all my future ones have to go smoother, aye?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pei Wei happiness
My friend Stephanie and I have had Pei Wei probably about 5 or 6 times in the past two weeks. Yesterday we actually tried to branch out by ordering something aside from the tofu teriyaki bowl with rice noodles (as in, we didn't branch away from the restaurant, but we tried to change up our choice of dish), and we enjoyed the new dish, but today we went back to the tried and true. It's sad and funny and also silly that I often wake up looking forward to lunch or dinner because I know that I'll get Pei Wei and that it'll be delicious. It's nice that there is something, however minor, that I can count on to make me if not happy then satisfied, even if just for the time period of a meal. I think more than anything it's funny.
As grad students with endless deadlines and obligations, I think we are forced to revert to depending on the "small things" in life to find an element of contentment. There are too many pressures involved for us to *not* simply find small ways to escape and be happy. To take a break. Yes, I might be struggling with a research proposal or with preparing my conference presentation, but I will use my chopsticks and eat my noodles and be happy.
As grad students with endless deadlines and obligations, I think we are forced to revert to depending on the "small things" in life to find an element of contentment. There are too many pressures involved for us to *not* simply find small ways to escape and be happy. To take a break. Yes, I might be struggling with a research proposal or with preparing my conference presentation, but I will use my chopsticks and eat my noodles and be happy.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Endings and Beginnings
Today's the last day of spring break, but really, it already feels over. Tomorrow's Monday, and the normal routine begins again, so today is tainted with the shadow of that. Breaks and holidays are never long enough. Whether they're bad or good, there never seems a time when I am not sorry to see it end. It reminds me of how I felt whenever summer camp would end or whenever the bride and groom at a wedding drive off into the night. Yes, new life or just life resumes, and that can be exciting, but there's still something melancholy about it all.
I graduate in May, and I'm truly nervous about starting somewhere new. I haven't decided where I'm going or what I'll be doing, and it's not a comforting feeling. Even more, though, I am surely sorry at the thought of time ending in Lubbock. After living here for 6 years, it really has become my home, so to imagine leaving it for good-- it's sad. I'm not sure what I'm trying to achieve by getting this down in writing, but it is certainly something that's on my mind.
I'm sure I need to be optimistic and see every ending as some do: a beginning.
I graduate in May, and I'm truly nervous about starting somewhere new. I haven't decided where I'm going or what I'll be doing, and it's not a comforting feeling. Even more, though, I am surely sorry at the thought of time ending in Lubbock. After living here for 6 years, it really has become my home, so to imagine leaving it for good-- it's sad. I'm not sure what I'm trying to achieve by getting this down in writing, but it is certainly something that's on my mind.
I'm sure I need to be optimistic and see every ending as some do: a beginning.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sick.
I've been sick since Tuesday (I felt it coming on right at the start of class, actually). It has been terrible. I know there's really no reason to write about this here, but seeing as I have to write about something and it has been consuming my life the past few days (and still a bit currently), this is the subject. What's really bad is that I pride myself in not getting sick. Just two weeks ago I was hanging out with a friend who was sick and I confidently told her that I don't get sick and that she need not worry of infecting me. I don't think she did infect me, though, because I don't have what she had, but still-- my strength and credibility? Totally undermined.
So I've been sick and I've been such a baby about it. I've moped and whined, but really, no one was even around to cry to, which made it so much worse. And I think the forces that be conspired against me. Truly, I can't remember a span of two weeks in which I had more work due and more work to do. If there were ever a time where I should pull all-nighters every night, this would be it. And yet, to spite me, my body needs sleep, rest, etc. now more than ever. I literally can't stay up past midnight. I can't. I have tried. I have tried this weekend and this past week, but no. The second the clock strikes twelve, my eyes just close. I HATE being sick.
Oh. And my voice! I've been putting off recording of my podcast for as long as I could, but, unfortunately, I can't put it off any longer. And I sound manly and hoarse and awful. So, if any of you reading this will listen to my podcast, allow me to apologize in advance: I'm sorry. :/
That's all for now.
So I've been sick and I've been such a baby about it. I've moped and whined, but really, no one was even around to cry to, which made it so much worse. And I think the forces that be conspired against me. Truly, I can't remember a span of two weeks in which I had more work due and more work to do. If there were ever a time where I should pull all-nighters every night, this would be it. And yet, to spite me, my body needs sleep, rest, etc. now more than ever. I literally can't stay up past midnight. I can't. I have tried. I have tried this weekend and this past week, but no. The second the clock strikes twelve, my eyes just close. I HATE being sick.
Oh. And my voice! I've been putting off recording of my podcast for as long as I could, but, unfortunately, I can't put it off any longer. And I sound manly and hoarse and awful. So, if any of you reading this will listen to my podcast, allow me to apologize in advance: I'm sorry. :/
That's all for now.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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