You've got Mail

My favorite part so far of the Technology readings was Anson's 1999 futuristic depictions of fictional Jennifer. How many of his hypotheticals have become realities? As one with little time to watch TV, I get most of my news online from various sites depending on my current needs: weather, local news, politics, even tabloid celebrity wogwash. I like not having to wait until after a commercial to get the news that is deemed most pertinant. There is nothing more frustrating than hearing a reporter say, "Information relevant to life as we know it... right after this break." One click and I am there.

I really enjoyed Neuwith's correlation between design and writing and how similiar the process are: purpose, audience, needs, revisions are part of design and writing. Her lightbulb moment seemed to be when she felt that she had completed her assignment and her teacher made further suggestions, cementing the idea that the design in probably never complete, just like writing.

I have always liked the idea of interdisciplinary teaching, and technology seems to be an ideal way to do it. Sitting at the computer blogging has become second nature to me by now. It does not seem too far fetch to think that a computer class could teach students to design a web page AND keep a blog. Kids today are already so tech savvy that they may eventually not even need a separate computer course and it will simply be integrated into all classes.

As far as composition classes and technology, I can't see that they will simply become online courses in the future. I feel that the interpersonal bonds that are formed in many of those classes are the impetus for the majority of the improvements. These relationships, as discussed by Faigly and Anson, are not generally forged via distance education. Think about your favorite classes, odds are you connected with the teacher. Think about the excite you get when you get a letter-a REAL letter- verses opening up your email to have a gazzilion emails. I love technology- the ability to instantly answer a myriad of questions- but I would much rather get a letter anyday.