Digital Lesson Plan - Final Draft

8/13/2019 Digital Lesson Plan - Final Draft

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Unit 3: Proposing A Solution with Sources

Essay 3 is upon us, and for this assignment I will be asking you to challenge yourself. I want youto challenge yourselves as you explore a problem you want to address and the solutions to that

problem, and I want to challenge you to find new ways to present this information. Never be

afraid to step out of your comfort levels, and really challenge your writing process as we moveinto this essay. I know most of you feel comfortable with typewritten texts, but for thisassignment we will be moving off the physical page and into a digital space.

Essay 3: Proposing a Solution

Topic Proposal Due: Monday, Week 2 by Midnight (submitted through Canvas)

Rough Cut Due: Friday, Week 3 by Midnight (submitted through Canvas)

Final Cut Due: Friday, Week 6 by Midnight (submitted through Canvas)

With Essay #2 we learned how to develop and craft an argument. This is an important skill to

have as a university student, and is one of the most basic types of academic essays you will beasked to write. For your next assignment we are going to build on these skills and try to take on

the task of coming up with ways to solve a social or cultural problem. Your ultimate goal is to

identify and explain a problem; discuss several possible solutions to the problem,; argue that one

solution is more practical, preferable to or better than all the others; and address counterarguments to your solutions.

Unlike your previous two essays, there is a catcha typewritten text will not be accepted for thisassignment. Instead, you will be using a digital platform to create your essay. Over the next

few class periods we will be discussing what tools and equipment is available to you as a student,

and what digital platforms (programs, websites, etc.) options you have available to you for this

assignment.

Lots of problems could be addressed in this essay. For this reason, I am going to limit your essay

topics to problems facing people in your communityproblems in the campus community, thecity of Bowling Green, or the Toledo metro area. Stay away from topics that are very large

things like the national debt, abortion, world hunger, nuclear issues, marijuana, drinking age, or

peace in the Middle East. The solutions to these problems are no doubt very abundant and cannotbe adequately covered in the scope of this assignment. Instead, think about choosing a local,

relatively small problem to address that is very important to or impacting youin some way.

On the outset, I know this assignment may sound intimidating. Some of you may be unfamiliarwith the platforms I am asking you to work with, and you may be afraid that you will not be able

to learn new technology quickly enough to be successful at this assignment. I understand these

concerns, but let me assure you that Im not looking to turn any of you into professional video or

audio editors. I want you to explore and start to become comfortable with using a newtechnological platform, and experiment with how you can translate the process of composing an

essay into a digital space, but in the end the basic components of your essay will still be the

same.


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The Assignment:Even though your essay will be composed digitally, there are still a few basic things your must

include:

A clearly defined thesis statementin which you reveal the problem you are addressing and

the several possible solutions you will propose, ending with your best solution. Yourthesis muststate that one solut ion is defi ni tely better than the others. Your thesis statement should bestated somewhere near the beginning of your assignment, and should be stated clearly enough

that it can be easily identified.

A clear summary of the problemyou will be addressing. You should tell your audience why

what you are discussing is an important problem to address. Depending on what topic you pick,

you may have to argue that the problem you are addressing actually does exist.

Discussion of the solutions you will propose. Each solution should be separately developed

and distinct from the other solutions. You should propose at least 3 solutions to the problem and

make sure all of the solutions are practical and realistic in relation to the problem at hand.Oversimplified or impractical solutions are not acceptable.

You are to argue why one solution is better that all the others.By the end of your

assignment, your audience should know unquestionably which solution you feel is the best wayto deal with the problem. In choosing the best solution you need to decide what makes a

solution better or worse than another solution. Is the solution cheaper? Less risky? Quicker? You

need to let your audience know by what criteria you are evaluating the best solution.

You must have clear counterargument.There are many ways to incorporate a

counterargument into this assignment. You may want to discuss the good and bad aspects of each

solution as you discuss them, or you may want to discuss an alternative solution that you justdont buy. If you are doing a video or an audio essay, you may want to interview other people to

solicit their opinions on your solution and discuss what pros or cons you see with these opinions.

In some cases it is even possible to discuss the negative things that might happen if a problemdoes indeed become solved (i.e., if solution ABC is acted upon it may bring about problems

XYZ). Of course, in order to make your argument the strongest it can be, you may want to

incorporate more than one of these aspects into your assignment.

You must exhibit proper use of source material.As you write, you will need to implement at

least 3 different sources into your essay. Keep in mind that using more than just web sources in

your essay will add quite a bit of credibility to your argument. All sources must be citedaccording to proper MLA methodology, including a works cited page that will be included in

your Essay 3 Portfolio Packet.

You must exhibit an understanding of who your audience is.Unlike Essay #2, I will not begiving you any direct instructions regarding who your audience is. Each assignments audience

will depend on the problem being discussed, but you should keep your audience in mind as you

compose and assume they are someone who is currently affected by the problem at hand. Pleasealso remember, because you will be uploading these assignments to the internet, your target


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written essay. If you choose this option, your Voice Thread slideshow will be contained entirely

online at www.voicethread.com, so you will need to send me a link to your presentation by email

on the due date.

AUDIO:Audio essays are a great way to begin digital composing because, in many ways, the

composition process is the same as for a type written essay: you type out what you want to say,record it, and edit it. For this assignment I recommend two options for an audio essay: Audacityand Garage Band. Audacity is a free audio recording and editing software program that can be

downloaded to your personal computer from www.audacity.com. This software makes use of the

microphone and speakers on your computer to record and listen to your assignment, so if youlike to work independently or on the go this may be a good option for you. Garage Band is a

software program created by Adobe, and is available on the computers in all BGSU campus

computer labs. This program allows you to edit and share your finished recording to iTunes, or

save the audio essay as a file on your desktop. Like Audacity, this program uses the existingmicrophones/speakers in the computer to record, though with both programs you can plug in

microphones or headphones if you wish. Both programs are very user friendly and easy to learn.

If you choose to create an audio essay, you will need to submit an essay file to me by email orprovide me with a weblink if you upload your essay to a file sharing website.

VIDEO:You will have the option to create a video essay to present the findings of your research

and your solutions, though admittedly this option involves the greatest level of technology. Forthis assignment option you will need to secure a video camera if you do not already have one,

and edit your footage in a way that creates a cohesive argumentative structure. The good news is,

video cameras are available to borrow from the BGSU Jerome Library Circulation Desk. Thebad news, however, is that you can only borrow them for a limited time, and there are only so

many cameras to go around (if you or someone you know already owns a video camera, you are

welcome to use it). You will also need an SD card or a simliar storage device for your footage,

so you can take it with you to edit it. If you choose this option, I strongly suggest using iMovie toedit your footage, though if you have access to another editing software program you may use it

as well. iMovie is available on all the computers in the BGSU campus computer labs, and is very

user friendly. When finsihed, iMovie will allow you to upload your assignment to video sharingsites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and save a final version of the assignment as a file. If you

chose the video option, nce you have completed the assignment you must upload it to either

YouTube or Vimeo and provide me with a link to the video. Before you begin filming or editing,I strongly suggest you write a script or outline for your essay to guide your work.

A Note About Assessment:With an assignment like this where so many options are available, it

would not be fair to assess each one of you using the same criteria. According to GSW policies,you will still need to submit a yellow GSW Grade Rubric, and I will make comments on the

rubric when/if appropriate. I will also be giving consideration to how well you use the tools and

platforms you use for your assignment. If you create a slideshow presentation, what

considerations do you make for your possible audience? If you create an audio essay or video,how well do you use these platforms to make your point? What would you do to help make your

assignments stand out in a crowded field? I am not looking for highly polished or professional

audio/video editing, but I will be looking at how you engage yourself in the medium of delivery.


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Please note:In designing this assignment I have tried to pick a range of digital platforms and

tools that will hopefully accomidate all students in the class. If, however, you feel none of these

options will be suitable to you for some reason, you may submit a 1.5-2 page written proposalexplaining why you should be allowed to use a different platform or a different set of digital

tools. As the instructor for the class, I reserve the right to accept or decline this proposal.

Good luck, start early, revise often, and as always please see me with any questions or concerns

you have.


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Syllabus Section 3Proposing a Solution Assignment

Instructor: Jeffrey S. Moore

Email: [email protected]: 315B East Hall

Office Phone: (419) 372-0337

Office Hours: 10-11 a.m. Monday and by appointment

Mailbox: 210 East Hall (my mailbox is above my name)

Writing Support @ the Learning

Commons:

1stfloor Jerome Library

Learning Commons Website: http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/learningcommons/

Week 1Monday Distribution of the assignment sheet for Essay #3: Proposing a Solution, focusing on the

major points in the assignment sheet, emphasizing the purpose and audience specified in

the assignment, and noting deadlines and assignment requirements. Examination of Guide to Writing in SMG(pp. 330-331). Use the library databases, BGNews or other credible new sources to locate articles on

problems local communities are facing. After about 15 minutes, resume whole classdiscussion and ask groups to share their findings.

Assignments for Students:

Review the assignment sheet for Essay #3, distributed in class earlier today. Writedown any questions you have.

Considering our discussion in class about the local problems revealed in the newarticles, continue your research of news stories describing local problems.

Read Patrick OMalley, More Testing, More Learning and commentarysections in SMG(pp. 304-310), making sure you understand the concepts

discussed. Be fully prepared to discuss this reading in our next class.

Wednesday Discussion of the reading, using ideas from the Use the basic features sections after

each essay in SMGand focusing on howthe essay works and what is an appropriate

thesis statement for this essay.

Introduction of the basic features of a proposal essay and what students can expect togain from composing this assignment digitally. If time allows, begin drafting your proposals in class.Assignments for Students:

Continue your research of news stories describing local problems and compose atentative essay proposal for Essay #3, which will be due the next class.

Friday
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Briefly (2-3 minutes) resent your proposal in a collaborative manner. Using Test YourChoice in SMG (p. 335), the presenter will explain how he/she will frame the problem to

the audience, possible solutions to the problem, and one best solution. The listenersshould respond with their reactions as the audience and possible counterarguments. Take

peers comments into consideration and revise for the remainder of class.

At the end of class, submit proposal using the Essay 3 Topic Proposal assignment link onCanvas.


Begin drafting an outline or a script for Essay #3 and locating sources usingAcademic Search Complete. If you plan to interview people as part of your

assignment, start thinking about who you want to interview, where you will findthese individuals, and when/how you will interview them.

Week 2

Monday

Review samples of digital solution essays, focusing on structure, how the varioussolutions are presented, what considerations were given to audience, and what could havebeen improved if the composer had more time.

Move to the class discussion board on Canvas and post your thoughts about this project,and what progress (if any) youve made on selecting a problem and a digital platform,

and what you think will be your biggest challenge for this assignment. Comment on atleast three of your classmates posts with words of advice or encouragement, or questions

about their projects. Remember, if anyone asks you a question, you must answer it. Discuss STAC technical presentation scheduled for Wednesday: Your instructor will

arrange for a representative from the Student Technology Assistance Center (STAC) to

give a presentation on the software and hardware available to you to complete this

assignment. This will either be held in a computer lab or in our classroom. Yourinstructor will have final confirmation of this information and will share it with youbefore the end of class.


If you havent already done so, fill out an Audience and Values Exploration sheet(found in your GSW 1110 portfolio) for Essay #3. Remember, because you aredoing a digital assignment you may need to rethink what your audience is and

what their values are.

Wednesday STAC presentation, see your instructor for information about where to meet.Assignments for Students:

Continue drafting your Essay #3 script or outline. If you need to secure hardwarefrom the Jerome Library Circulation Desk and have not already done so, do so

now.

Friday


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Continue working on your script or outline draft in class while the instructor circulates. Iftime/space/noise level permits, you can begin assembling the rough cut of your

assignment in class.


Finish drafting and revising the rough cut of your assignment. Be prepared to submit a rough cut of your assignment by midnight next Friday.

Week 3

Monday: Rough Draft of Essay #3 due, submit through Canvas tonight by Midnight. Submit rough cut of your assignment using Assignment Link. Depending on the digital

platform and your level of completion, this could be a web link, a file, some videofootage, etc.

Using what you have learned throughout the semester, continue to useAcademic SearchComplete and/or other academicsearch engines (not Google and the like) to locate at

least two academic sources with specific information (facts, statistics, examples,

scenarios, expert opinion, etc.) related to the topic youve chosen to write about and thepoints you plan to raise in your essay.

Spend the remaining time working on improving your assignment while instructorcirculates to offer feedback and assistance.


Read and complete Improving the Draft in SMG(pp. 343-346). Begin making revisions to the focus, organi zation, and developmentof the ideas

in your essay, bearing in mind the conversations from class and comments youvereceived from peers.

Apply your research and revise your rough cut of essay #3 to make it the strongestit can be.

If you are having trouble focusing your ideas, or need tips for how to presentresearch or counter arguments/refutes in your assignment, please schedule a

conference with your instructor or come to the instructors office hours.

Wednesday Class examines one or two rough cuts of Essay #3 taken from the class (posted to

Canvas, with the students permission beforehand), and looks at how well these

assignments are following the guidelines listed in the assignment sheet, and how these

guidelines can be more closely followed in your own assignments. Move to the class discussion board on Canvas and post your thoughts about the

assignment at the approximate half way point in the unit. How do you feel about your

rough cut? What do you want to change/add/remove/improve between now and when the

final cut is due? What do you think is still the biggest challenge moving forward? Asusual, respond to no less than three of your peers and answer any questions you are

asked.


Continue revising your own assignments, including the research/supportnecessary to convince readers that your ideas are well founded and realistic.

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Rough Cut Peer review: You will be broken into small groups (2-4 depending on classsize) and will show the rough cut of the assignment to your peers, who in turn will show

you their rough cuts. You will then comment on their rough cuts with suggestions forimprovement. These comments can include suggestions about structure and formatting,

content, editing, integrating research or counter arguments/refutes, or any other issues

you think could be improved. Remember, with any peer review the purpose is to help liftup your peers, not tear them down.

Week 4

Monday Activity based on weaknesses rough cuts aimed at improving overall effectiveness of

arguments. Work on essay in class while instructor circulates, offering feedback and assistance.Assignments for Students:

Read/review and complete Ch. 7 sections in SMG: Improving the Draft (p. 343-344), Editing and Proofreading (pp. 345-346), and A Writer at Work (pp.347-349).

Begin making revisions to the focus, organi zation, and developmentof the ideasin your assignment, bearing in mind the comments your instructor made on your

rough cut.

Wednesday

Lab Day: Your instructor will reserve space in a computer lab so you can work on yourfinal draft during the class session. Continue working on revisions while instructorcirculates answering questions and providing feedback. See your instructor forinformation about when/where to meet for this class session.


Complete revisions. After you revise your draft, save a copy of your assignment and bring it to our

next class.

Friday Share newest draft with classmates on Discussion Board, seek feedback on the revisions

you have made and solicit advice for making the essay even stronger. Your instructor will

also comment on these updated versions and make suggestions when/if appropriate.Assignments for Students:

Read the introduction to Chapter 20: Analyzing Visuals and Criteria forAnalyzing Visuals in SMG(pp. 626-629).


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Week 5

Monday Class discussion about perceived strengths/weaknesses of assignments, challenges, and

how to work with those challenges moving forward. Students will be encouraged to takeinstructor and peer feedback and begin crafting a final plan for revising and completing

the assignment.Assignments for Students:

Continue work on your revisions.Wednesday

Lab Day: Your instructor will reserve space in a computer lab so you can work on yourfinal draft during the class session. Continue working on revisions while instructor

circulates answering questions and providing feedback. Your instructor will provide you

with information about when/where to meet for this class period. This will be your final

change to work on your drafts in class before they are due next week, so be sure to askthe instructor for help with any issues that come up.

Assignments for Students: Continue working on revisions.

Friday Discuss evaluation of assignments. Solicit student feedback on how to evaluate an

assignment that can be completed in different platforms.


Continue working on revisions.Week 6

Monday 10/21 General class reminders, reminders about Essay #3 Due date on Friday. Distribution of the assignment sheet for Essay #4: Evaluating a Visual Argument; note

the major points in the assignment sheet, the purpose and audience specified in the

assignment, and the deadlines.


Continue working on revisions of Essay #3. Begin thinking about possible topicsor visual examples to use for Essay 4.

Wednesday

Discussion of common examples of evaluating visual arguments that identifies the keyfeatures of effective evaluations of visual arguments. Class collaborates on a

brainstormed list of the most common problems writers might have when attempting toevaluate a visual argument. Discussion of the challenges we identified.

Review an Evaluating a Visual Argument essay on Canvas. Annotate the essays on yourlaptop while the class analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each essay, noting

rhetorical features that help the essay achieve its purpose.


Continue working on revisions of Essay #3. Begin thinking about possible topicsor visual examples to use for Essay 4.


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Friday: Final Draft of Essay #3 due, submit through Canvas by Midnight tonight. Students submit Essay #3 packets to the instructor. Discuss the overall experience of Essay #3, what can be learned from it, and how those

lessons can translate to Essays #4 and #5 moving forward.

Spend remainder of class session looking for a visual artifact to analyze for Essay #4.Assignments for Students:

Begin completing the Audience and Values sheet for Essay #4, and start thinkingabout visual criteria by which to judge your Essay #4 image.


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Digital Lesson Plan - Final Draft