Writing


 * Learn About It! **

Writing! Such a broad and diverse topic. When we think about writing, the first thing we usually think about is the beloved 5-paragraph paper all of us endured for so many academic years. But writing covers a plethora of ideas, concepts and applications. It is a life-long challenge to become a "good writer", yet it is really the only power we are ever granted--the power to persuade and challenge others through words.

Then, we could explore genres of writing: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.

And we could turn the corner and look at mobile devices and writing: blogging, cloud writing, collaborative writing, microblogging, tweeting, notetaking, etc. All great topics for discussion. So framing this discussion will be limiting, no matter what avenue we pursue.

This lesson won't explore any of the above, but I simply can't ignore one of the most powerful writings that has stuck with me for many months--Scott Simon's controversial tweets from his dying mother's hospital room. I've been a fan of Scott Simon for many years and, of course, knew his mother's work on Broadway, but I wasn't aware of the closeness of their relationship. I don't think this writing could have been any more powerful (in fact, less so) in another format.

Let's start our exploration with a short article on the actual WRITING using a mobile device: Myths of Writing Using Mobile Devices.


 * Think About It! **

No, I'm not an advocate of trying to write your dissertation on a smart phone. But I do know mobile devices can be amazing devices.

Let's use them to create a documentary. It will be great to add yours to that list!

When we think about writing a digital story, we think about this order:

--the topic --write the script (or the story) --get the supporting pictures --add the music

And here is a really short video on making a documentary: media type="custom" key="23953902"

If we follow this plan, we should do our writing in a backwards fashion. Want to try?

1) decide your topic 2) get your pictures 3) write the script 4) get the music 5) publish the product


 * Plan It! **



First, think outside the box. A documentary can be historical (telling a story we already know or may not know). But it also could be personal (either a story you know or someone else's story--Scott Simon certainly wrote a documentary). It can be futuristic, it can be comical, it can be...whatever writing you want to use!

The purpose of a documentary is to inform. But this author shares a far more unique and open concept of a documentary. Take a moment to read his ideas from his film class.

And here is a template and part of a sample script for your consideration. You do not need to use the template, but you need some kind of planning device.

Here is a favorite of mine done by a student last year. Note it is done in first person. media type="custom" key="23954296"


 * Do It! **

Here are your assignments for this week (due next Sunday):

1) Decide your topic

2) Get your pictures (preferably from the Internet)

3) Write the script

4) Get the music

5) Make a podcast (using Audacity) with your music and voice combined

5) Using the tool, Animoto, upload your picture, then add the "music" (which is your podcast). Do NOT attempt to have the pictures exactly match your words. That's way too linear for a documentary!

RULES: 1) Your documentary cannot be longer than 2 minutes. 2) Your documentary must be creative. 3) Your documentary must be produced using Animoto. Animoto is a Web2.0 tool that is free. But the free version only allows a 29 second video (because that's what you can use with a piece of copyright music before you are violating copyright law). As a teacher, you can get a free upgrade, but sometimes that upgrade takes awhile to get approved. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you would use this CASE SENSITIVE login.

Username: AnyDPSstudent@gmail.com Password: DPSstudent

Here are two tutorials, but you will use the pictures you selected from the internet and your "music" will be your podcast you made for this project. Make sure you name your video using this protocol (so I can find it): KSU-LastName-2014 media type="custom" key="23954402"



4) Once you are finished, simply send me an email and let me know you're done. I'll post your project on this page. IF you are familiar with embedding code, feel free to embed your video, but don't feel obligated.

Questions? Let me know