This is the post for the Wednesday, March 16, 2016 class meeting.

Choosing Your Archive Item

Please take care of this activity while I am taking attendance.

If you were in class last time:
You should already have an item chosen. I noticed that some people are signed up for multiple items however. Go to the Class Planning Doc and remove your name from all the items you are NOT doing. You can do only one.

If you were NOT in class last time:
You need to go to the Class Planning Doc and choose the place, thing, or event that you will contribute to our VT archive. You can take any item on the list that is not claimed, and you can add new items. Only one person (or group) can do each item, and groups have to be comprised of people in the same section.

What Is An Archive?

Let’s ask Wikipedia. Skim through the entry on Archive and look for definitions and key characteristics. You can also use Google search to find some example archives.

As you find relevant information, add them to the class document. Do not copy and paste however. Put the ideas into your own words

• 10:10 class
• 11:15 class
• 1:25 class

If you’re taking the Editing class this term (or you already have), here’s your chance to show off. Use your skills to add some useful design and unity to the document.

Note that the link to each class document will be removed immediately after class. All the links will be restored in the afternoon.

Preparing for a Multimodal Dig

• Think about the five modes of communication. What artifacts can you gather to ensure you cover all five modes?
• Consider the affordances and constraints of different kinds of artifacts. Remember the slideshow has the definitions.
• Create a Dig List. Decide on the things you want to collect. Think through the modes, affordances and constraints for each one.
• If you are working with a group, create shared location for your work and make sure everyone in your group has access. Also be sure that you have shared contact information and agreed upon when and how to contact one another.

Homework & Schedule Details

This is the post for the Monday, March 14, 2016 class meeting.

Important Dates

• March 18: End of Portfolio Grace Period at 11:59 PM

Project Overview

• Mini-Project: Building a VT Archive (Group or Individual)
• Mini-Project: Pink Time (Individual), More Info
• Project 4: I Am… Intro Video (Individual or Pairs)
• Take-Home Final: WordPress Revision & Maintenance Plan (Individual)

Five Modes of Communication

Today’s activity explores multimodal texts that you interact with every day. I have a slideshow that includes short definitions of the major concepts we will explore as we read Writer/Designer. To get started, we will examine the five modes of communication:

Image from page 4 of Writer/Designer

Beginning Mini-Project 2: Building a VT Archive

• Talk as a class about the project, basic requirements, where to store it, and what tool to use, using the Class Planning Doc.
• Brainstorm possible topics as a class.
• Create new groups (1 to 4 people), and choose focus.
• Gather any preliminary information your group will need to begin research and planning Wednesday.
• Decide on any artifacts you need to bring in on Wednesday.

Homework

For Wednesday’s session (9/30), do the following before class:

• Make sure you understand the five modes of communication before class. Prepare to talk about affordances and constraints. Review Chapter 1 of Writer/Designer if necessary.