These two pictures from a wave in Rhode Island. So why did I put them up? One, I think they're super pretty. Two, because the person pictured is someone I admire greatly. Which will be the topic for this last blog.

That guy surfing is Mad Dog, he's 50. He's 50 and he still surfs, good. So what you may ask? I don't know any people his age that surf as well as he does, that's so what. Most people quit because their bodies get tired or sore or etc. But, Dog works harder than everyone. He swims a quarter mile and runs a mile just about everyday during the summer. So what does this have to do with anything? To me it has to do with looking in places for lessons you wouldn't expect. Dog has taught me a great deal about life, as have a number of people I've surfed with over the years, but the lesson we can all learn from him is that if you work hard at something you can accomplish it. He's twice the age of most people who surf, yet he still pushes them to excel; he's one of the few people that essentially founded surfing in Rhode Island (a place where there are no waves--according to most people--the pictures do prove otherwise though); he's uses his knowledge of the ocean to enable him to surf better than most; and, he passes on his knowledge and serves as a leader in my "discourse community."

So I ask you to find a person that has taught you a lesson, a person you wouldn't perhaps normally expect, and discuss in your last blog, why that person is someone we can all learn from. Remember, learning is a life long process, and much of what we learn comes from outside of the classroom. It's been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to teach you all. I've learned more from you than you may imagine.

Best,
tra

CCCC Position Statement on Multimodal Compsition

Above you'll find a picture of someone's avatar from Second Life. What is Second Life though. What does it have to do with writing in 21st century contexts? (Here is a hint.)

Now, please read the CCCC position statement on Multimodal Compsition: (CCCC is the Professional Organization which creates mandates standards in for college writing teachers. Do you feel that you are given chances to become literate in these alternative modes of composition.

Best,
tra

Bonus: Tom the Grom sends Pictures

I just figured, that since my buddy Tommy sent these out I'd share them for you all to enjoy.

11/12: Modality and Afforadances

Last week, as you all likely noticed. I did not post an assignment: Figured a little break, one week, was in order to recuperate from the lengthy research paper.

For this week I ask you to visit the link below: consider what Dr. Kress has to say about multimodality and affordances. Then find a symbol used to represent something within our culture and explain why the symbol is effective or not. For instance, consider the State flag. How is this constructed to carry special meaning? What special meanings are present within the elements of the image? What is pictured? Why are there 19 stars? Why is one bigger? Is the mode in which the message presented the most effective way or conveying that message?




Again, don't analyze the state flag I've provided: find an image on the web that you think you'd like to discuss in 150 words.

All the best,
tra