English 7280 Digital Lesson Plan

8/13/2019 English 7280 Digital Lesson Plan

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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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audience and your actual audience will be differentyou may be speaking to other students,

but in theory anyone with a computer and internet access will be able to view your work. You

will need to think about how this will influence your decisions as composers and what, if any,changes you will want to make to your assignment during the revision state to account for this.

Organization:So how are you going to arrange your assignment? This will be a little different based on whatdigital platform you pick, but generally speaking I suggest structuring your assignment into five

sections, which would roughly follow this pattern:

I. Introduction: A section at the beginning of your assignment to set the scene and offer your

thesis, which should would sound something like this: The best solution to the problem of ____

is ____. (Its usually best to end your intro with your thesis.)

II. Background: Youll want to spend the next section of your assignment providing context forthe problem and establishing that the problem exists. Use statistics, facts, or other source

material to back you up here. In an audio essay or video, this should take 2-3 minutes; in a slide

show presentation, this should take 3-5 slides.III. Alternate solutions: Give one or two other possible solutions (besides your own), and

describe each in full. Youll want to end these explanations by stating why these solutions are

not the best.

IV. Your solution: Spend several minutes or several slides explaining your best solutionwhyits best, how you know it would work, etc. Also, be sure to address possible objections to this

solution, as these will be your main counterarguments.

V. Conclusion: Try to link back to your intro to bring this assignment full circle.

As with our previous essays, you will need to submit a topic proposal, complete an Audience and

Values sheet from your GSW 1110 Writing Portfolio for this assignment, and you will be given

time in class to share the rough draft/rough cut of your assignment with your peers and solicitfeedback. When the final draft of your assignment is due, you will need to turn in a Portfolio

Packet containing a printed copy of this assignment sheet and the completed Audience and

Values sheet. Because your final essays will not be typewritten, you will also need to submit aWorks Cited page for any reference materials you quote and/or interviews you conduct as part of

your research.

Having said all of that, lets look at the digital platforms you can use to create your assignment:

SLIDESHOW:Voice Thread is a digital tool that allows you to create interactive slide show

presentations online. You can use still images or record video clips if you have a computer with abuilt-in camera and microphone. You also have the option to record audio clips over the slides,

or to simply add text to each slide, which will display for a set amount of time. Like the audio

essay option, it is best to prepare a script ahead of time so you do not get lost when presenting

your argument, so in that way a Voice Thread slideshow is very similar to a traditional typewritten 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.


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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 asoftware 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 or

provide 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. The

bad news, however, is that you can only borrow them for a limited time, and there are only somany 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 sharing

sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and save a final version of the assignment as a file. If youchose 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.

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

explaining 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. MooreEmail: [email protected]

Office: 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 1

Monday 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 inthe 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 class

discussion 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 new

articles, 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 conceptsdiscussed. 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 to

gain 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.
http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/learningcommons/http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/learningcommons/http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/learningcommons/


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Friday Briefly (2-3 minutes) resent your proposal in a collaborative manner. Using Test Your

Choice in SMG (p. 335), the presenter will explain how he/she will frame the problem tothe audience, possible solutions to the problem, and one best solution. The listeners

should 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 on

Canvas.


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 yourassignment, start thinking about who you want to interview, where you will find

these individuals, and when/how you will interview them.

Week 2

Monday Review samples of digital solution essays, focusing on structure, how the various

solutions are presented, what considerations were given to audience, and what could have

been 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 at

least 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 thisassignment. 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 you

before 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 are

doing 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 hardware

from the Jerome Library Circulation Desk and have not already done so, do so

now.

Friday


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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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Technologies Used in this Unit Plan:

Voice Thread: Voice Thread is a digital tool that allows users to create interactive slide showpresentations online. Still images, video clips and audio can be used, along with typed text, to

create interactive and editable presentations that can be shared with individuals or groups. The

audio and video components do require a user to have a computer with a built-in camera andmicrophone. This tool is free to use and is housed completely online at www.voicethread.com.

Audacity: Like Voice Thread, Audacity is an online tool that allows users to record and edit

audio tracks. Unlike Voice Thread, however, the user must download the Audacity softwareprogram to their computer in order to access the service. Users can record, edit, rearrange and

add music to audio compositions. Once completed, the files can be saved on the users computer

or uploaded to the internet. The software is free to download and use, and can be found online at

www.audacity.com

iMovie: The standard video editing software available through Apples iLife suite is popular

with many users. The interface is easy to use and gives options for music, sound effects, and anumber of different transisions between shots (wipes, disolves, fades, etc.). The final videos can

be saved to a computer or storage drive, and uploaded to video sharing services like YouTube

and Vimeo. This program is available for all models of Apple computers, and is available in the

computer labs on campus.

GarageBand: Like iMovie, GarageBand is a software program developed by Apple that is

popular for its ease of use and abundant features. This software allows users to create originalmusic compositions using a variety of instrument and voice options, record and edit audio files,

create podcasts and more. As with iMovie, these compositions can be saved or uploaded to the

internet vie iTunes. This program is also available for all models of Apple computers, and can be

found on the Macintosh computers in campus computer labs.

Documents

English 7280 Digital Lesson Plan