Writing and Citizenship: Using Blogs to Teach First-Year Composition

Dr. Tryons writing...Wow! I feel almost compelled to be endearing while blogging about this...I mean brown nosing to get an "A" right??? LOL!!

I like the fore thought of this writing. Dr. Tryon's goal was to find ways for students to take charge of their writing, to provide them with a sense that writing matters. Richard Ohmann's description was right on the money: "The supposition that higher education and schooling in general serve a democratic society by nourishing hearty citizenship." All writing should foster citizenship and create connections between the classroom and the real world. The use of Web logs I'm not sure of though. Reading should be relevant to the reader, not necessarily the professor or teacher! Blogging is a fun and innovative way to teach and learn, as I am enjoying it tremendously! I will agree that blogging communities do have a reputation for being on the wild side adhering to little boundaries! Which for some parents, and adults who have strong religious beliefs might shun away from this type of curriculum connection, but I would remind those very people that you can't shelter yourself nor your children from everything their entire life. At some point and time people have to experience some things if for nothing else than to open their minds, learn a tolerance, an acceptance, and then how to maneuver around today's idiosyncrasies with ease and political correctness.

Bloggers responding to his assignment with flattery to snark is not uncommon. I am sure that didn't unhenge his door at all! The rhetorical strategies that foster an unhealthy use of language should probably be rethought, or at the least consider the source. There is never room for sensitivity or taking things too personal when blogging. I mean you are opening yourself to a realm of people from all facets of life, so no need to fret. With access to the outside world, or access to think outside the box you are able to create a clearer picture or more diverse opinions about the subject matter. Life is not without taking risks!