Recasting Writing

I thought it was really interesting that they incorporated podcasts into learning. I loved the line about how hearing students turned out to be much more embodied than reading students. As time and technology progress, maybe we'll see podcasts being introduced more into education.

I really appreciated how these instructors wanted to provide an alternate outlet to creative communication in their English/Literature Arts classes. I loved the discussion about knowing a student better through their physical voice, rather than just their written voice. I think this mode of communication allows for a fuller understanding of a student's perspective as physical tone is often easier to grasp than written tone. I applaud them for their willingness to try an unconventional writing method.

I thought it was really cool that these teachers decided composition was not just about writing but more about creating. I feel like in most schools composition is thought of too narrowly and rarely ever considered in a broader aspect. Choosing a podcast for them changed the way they thought about composition and it gave me a similar experience as well. 

I thought it was really interesting how the podcast touched on vulnerability behind recording your own voice. I definitely felt like I had to dig deep with my podcast, and it became easier to talk about experiences and stories personal to me with practice. There was nothing I could hide behind since it was my voice telling the story out loud. This made me more aware of my own tendencies when I talk about certain topics and led me to repeat audio takes. However, my general tone and the message would always remain the same.

I appreciate the fact that these teachers realize that the world is changing, and the way we communicate is as well. While writing will most likely always be an integral part of communicating, talking is also very important. That is why podcasts are so interesting to me. I can listen to them while folding laundry or walking to class, tasks I can't complete while reading written material. Hearing someone speak also adds a layer of connection between the listener and the story being told. 

I think this podcast/article is a very interesting idea of how to restructure the traditional english class centered on writing. I think they bring up very good points about the advantages of podcasts as a mode of writing, like how it improves the writing itself and allows students to incorporate a variety of different factors and tools in their writing. Overall I love their central idea of getting to know students through their voices rather than their papers.

In a changing world, I think that it's important to utilize the technology that we have available to us in the classroom. I was recently introduced to the idea of the audio essay last semester in my ENGL105 class and I was really interested by it. I like the idea of using other ways to communicate the same idea. I think that allowing students to utilize and learn different skills keeps us engaged, rather than just writing papers all the time. This article was really interesting to me because it's really cool how different mediums can be used to express the same ideas. By utilizing new technology, I also think it's practical.  

This piece introduced me to the idea of podcasts as a mode of "performance." You're assuming the role of an active storyteller and humanizing research, personal narratives, and/or original literary compositions. You step out of the realm of solely being a writer; this translates into being granted more agency. Having your ideas and voice immortalized by a podcast is powerful. It's somewhat paradoxical—exposing yourself/being vulnerable and exercising power. That's the beautiful reality of podcasts. 

I think that the podcast makes a good point about how classrooms are changing, especially in today's technological world. Rather than the traditional essay, the podcast allows for more innovation and creativity -- which I think are very important in regards to learning. The audio elements of the podcasts truly enhance the "storytelling experience", and I agree that they should be implemented in the classroom much more than they currently are. 

This piece definitely reflects the complicated nature of the podcast that I discovered when first trying to transfer my traditional understanding of writing into the podcast medium. I particularly found their careful distinction between the podcast and the audio essay interesting. I had never really thought about how what I called the medium could drastically shape my approach. I also really liked the point the students couldn’t distance themselves from their writing when making podcasts. In many ways, I feel like creating a podcast has challenged me to change the way that I write to incorporate more of my voice to feel more natural when speaking and this, in many ways, feels more authentic.

This was really interesting! Though written words can be a powerful tool, allowing a student to read them in their own voice shows a much more holistic picture of what the student is trying to communicate. For example, if a student intends for a sentence to be read in a particular way with certain words emphasized, it will be difficult for a reader to know just from printed words, but listening to an audio recording allows the student to add his/her own inflection and emphasis. 

I actually enjoyed listening to this podcast as it really put into perspective how to analyze this project. I like how both of the main speakers explained the different reasoning and meanings behind the podcast project itself. Also, I thought it was interesting how they used examples of other teachers, students, professors/writers, etc. as sort of like...proof of clarification. This podcast kind of reminded me of a scholarly essay, but presented and presented in a way that made it easier to understand. Overall, it was pleasant to listen to and really gave a new perspective on this project and new ideas on what all I can get out of doing this project to the best of my abilities.

I enjoyed this piece because it offered more than a "how to" guide for first year podcasts. It addressed what did and did not work, what writing is for, and how it can resonate within teachers, scholars, and students alike. The instructors even pioneered an alternate path to creative thought and creative expression in their academic environment by ridding of the rigid confinements that are placed on students with formal writing. Not only interesting but relevant as well.

This article can be related to the other article we read about if essays are the best way to learn and convey ideas. I think that having a voice to hear, even if you are reading along with words, is critical. If I am reading something, and the font is Times New Roman, it will be much harder for me to feel the emotions of the narrator if I weren't listening to their unique voice. When I am reading, I have the easy and quick guilty pleasure of being able to stop whenever I want. If I am listening to someone's story from their own voice, it will feel more personal, and keep wanting more.