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11/4 Journal

Throughout the article 7 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about Accessibility the author describes the difficulties individuals with disabilities face regarding the use of the web. This article is a good sample of how to set up a proper web page that is accessible to everyone. I found it intriguing that the author discussed accessibility not being a barrier to innovation. Many individuals believe that to make a web page accessible it needs to look boring, but this is not the case. A web page can have its own unique characteristics while still being accessible to the world. I found this article to be particularly interesting because of my field of study. My goal in life is to be a working Speech Pathologist for children on the Autism Spectrum. So, this article provided me with an insight on how to handle the use of the web with individuals that are disabled. As an individual that does not have a hearing impairment, blindness, a mobility impairment, etc. this article opened my eyes about struggles that others may face in everyday life. The use of the correct font color and size has always been an obvious component for me, but I did not. For example, the use of hovering over a word to find things. This becomes difficult for individuals with motor disabilities. This article allowed me to reflect on my own writing processes and compare it to the accessibility needs of individuals. Accessibility Guidelines for UX Designers describes the ability a designer has to build a product that is accessible to everybody. This article allowed me to understand the importance of accessibility and how it results in empathy towards individuals with disabilities. The use of the proper color schemes is helpful for those that are visually impaired. Also, consistent components allow individuals to become familiar with the functionality of the page and as a result have a more pleasant experience navigating. Headings help individuals see what the purpose of each section will be and allow them to quickly find what they are looking for. This article challenged my views by stating that there should be multiple ways to locate things within a web page. This is a component I have not considered when thinking about accessibility for others. I found it interesting that the layout of a web page can make or break a user’s experience. It is important to be consistent and responsive throughout a web page design. After reading these two articles I began to reflect on my own writing process. I began to think about how these processes can be used throughout social media sites to improve user’s experience navigating. Not many social media sites provide this information for individuals with disabilities. I believe social media sites should make their accounts more accessible for everybody to create a diverse environment.

For my two modes I chose to use visual and linguistic. For the linguistic mode I wrote a reaction response to the articles 7 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about Accessibility and Accessibility Guidelines for UX Designers. I compared the articles contexts to my personal writing experiences and beliefs. Next, for my visual mode I chose a gif. I chose this gif because it explains that nobody is a burden. Just because an individual has a disability does not mean they should be treated any differently. I believe these two articles did a good job explaining ways that the web can become more accessible to everybody.

[courtneysteinmann]

Journal 10/16

ThroughoutSustaining Critical Literacies in the Digital Information Age: The Rhetoric of Sharing, Prosumerism, and Digital Algorithmic Surveillance Estee Beck discusses the factors of sharing throughout the social media world. Social media has become a large influencer in today’s world and it impacts everyone’s lives. The big question is whether or not social media influences individuals to be more social with one another or if it is providing an escape for individuals. Although, while using social media you are often sharing personal information about yourself you are not challenged with face to face interactions that shape individual’s relationships. These points brought up my own discipline regarding social media. Often, when I am out to eat I see individuals engaged in their phones rather than the individual that are out to eat with. I believe this shift has occurred as a result of the advancements present in social media sites. Social media tries to rope individuals in and allow them to become addicted to their sites. Since prosumerism was developed in the 1980s it has advanced and expanded due to the world wide web evolution. Information distribution soon became an easier process due to technologies such as the telephone. These types of advancements are positive for our society, but social media is beginning to take over individual’s lives. Many individuals are quick to give all of their information to social media sites. Within my own writing processes, I am a private individual. I do not share personal information throughout social media and I make sure to stay off of my phone while interacting with individuals. I believe these concepts are the biggest issues regarding social media use today.

Danah Boyd discussed the spread of conspiracies and hate that is present online. It is presented that media manipulators may be the causes of crisis that occur today. Social media allows individuals to present their stories and amplify what they would like others to see. Boyd discusses how individuals will believe theories posted online and take it upon themselves to investigate. Many of the information presented online is posted for a specific purpose. Individuals will try to persuade others to see them in a certain light. For example, females will only post a photo on Instagram if they look skinny, pretty, and everyone approves of their photo. I believe throughout my own personal writing processes I have gotten caught up within social media and striving for others to see how perfect my life is.

For my two rhetoric strategies I chose linguistic and visual. For linguistic I provided text with my personal feelings regarding the article and the video presented. For my visual strategy I chose this gif to show how many individuals perceive their social media. Many individuals believe making their accounts private will not expose the information they present, but this is not the case. Nothing is hidden when it comes to social media and individuals are letting social media dictate how they live their lives.

[courtneysteinmann]

Writing Journal 10/2

Throughout the reading What is Rhetorical about Digital Rhetoric? Perspectives and Definitions of Digital Rhetoric it was discussed how digital rhetoric has evolved throughout the years. To this day professionals have a difficult time defining digital rhetoric. This was shown in the video of interviews presented by Stephen McElroy, Matt Davis, and Rory Lee. The individuals being interviewed stuttered on the question and delayed their responses due to confusion. Digital rhetoric is constantly being discovered and it still lacks a clear definition. This is due to the extensiveness of the term digital rhetoric and everything it involves. Digital rhetoric includes a range of perceptions and is constantly evolving throughout the years. Since digital rhetoric is such a broad term even professionals struggle to narrow it down to one simple definition. The Indiana Digital Rhetoric Symposium resulted in diverse conversations regarding personal beliefs on digital rhetoric. Individuals spoke about their beliefs regarding digital rhetoric and it lead to diverse conversations. Digital rhetoric is constantly changing and discovering new aspects, so individuals perception on digital rhetoric will continue to change. 

For my two rhetorical strategies I chose visual (gif) and linguistic. I chose this visual gif because it is an example of evolution. Just as individual’s beliefs are changing, so are the ideas present inside of them. For linguistic I wrote a reaction on the article What is Rhetorical about Digital Rhetoric? Perspectives and Definitions of Digital Rhetoric and discussed key components I believed to be most important.

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9/27 Writing Journal

After reading Chapter 9 of Writing in Knowledge Societies I began to reflect on the relationship between rhetoric and scientific knowledge. Metonymy, a change of names between things closely related, creates meaning throughout the world of science. Certain words change the meaning of texts and this is shown in this chapter throughout scientific discovery. Rhetoric plays specific roles in the creation of scientific knowledge. For example, scientists use rhetoric to coax and argue their claims on research proposals. Although, rhetoric encourages scientists to persuade individuals it also allows scientists to create a new perception. This means that rhetoric plays a crucial role in the world of scientific knowledge and scientists use rhetoric strategies to complete their work. I found it interesting that rhetoricians studied the uses of metaphoric and analogical functions throughout the scientific background. In fact, Lakoff and Turner believe that metaphors are essential for human communication to occur. I was intrigued by the examination of rhetoric modeling specific arguments and ideas. By changing the words of something you may be changing the entire meaning. Although, this is the case sometimes changing the words of a phrase may keep the meaning but help extend the insight on the topic. Rhetoric is used all throughout the world. In this case, scientists use rhetoric to expand their studies and persuade individuals.

For my rhetorical strategies I used visual and linguistic. For my visual (gif) I chose a scene from one of my favorite movies. In this scene Augustus uses a metaphor to persuade Hazel about her view on cigarettes. I chose this gif because the scientists discuss the importance of metaphors throughout language and that they are essential for human communication. For my linguistic strategy I discussed the main points throughout Chapter 9 of Writing in Knowledge Societies. I discussed my beliefs and what I found to be most intriguing about the chapter.

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9/25 Writing Journal

The reading, Multimodal Composing, interprets the distinctive ways individuals compose their unique pieces. Multimodal Composing occurs every day in every environment around us. Individuals are constantly adding to their composition and creating new trends that add to their work. Reading about different ways composing occurs lead to a self-reflection. In class, I compose using different mediums, tools, and interfaces. Throughout class I switch between note taking on paper and adding to notes on my laptop. By doing this I am composing for different purposes at the same time. I am switching from a physical medium to a technological medium on my laptop. Also, I agree with the fact that composing requires others. Often, without realizing it individuals allow other’s opinions to reflect onto their composition. For example, brainstorming with a friend about what you are going to write about allows their ideas to reflect onto your own composition. A concept that I found to be the most meaningful is the occurrence of composition through the body. The article stated that composing is not only a cognitive act, but a material act as well. I found this interesting because I have not thought about my body’s demands while composing to be a product of my piece. I found myself arranging my physical space while reacting to this article. So, my physical body contributed to my compositional needs.

After reading Women, Rhetoric, and Politics on Pinterest I began to reflect on my use of Pinterest. Pinterest is primarily a women’s sight that aims to please the wants and needs of females. I go on Pinterest daily to pin items that interest me. For example, I have created categories such as home, clothes, and nails. As I scroll through Pinterest I pin pictures into these categories that I am interested in. While scrolling I tend to come across items that women would be interested in searching about. Things that women would be interested include home décor, different hairstyles for women, and fall inspired outfits. I believe by valuing the interests of women Pinterest is losing service. Instead, Pinterest should contain items that women and men can browse and add to their board.

        Both of these articles discuss the importance of composition. Social media is a large impact on today’s society regarding individual’s composition. Social media sights focus on certain aspects to pull users in. While composing individuals use different tactics to create their unique composition.

For my two rhetoric strategies I chose to use visual and linguistic. For linguistic I wrote a reaction about Multimodal Composing and Women, Rhetoric, and Politics on Pinterest. I believe the linguistic rhetoric strategy allows me to discuss how I am feeling and my reaction to the articles. Also, I used a visual (gif) to explain the contact between two individuals as they are communicating. They are exchanging their ideas with each other and bouncing off one another. I believe this exchange occurs as individuals are composing.

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Chapters three through five of Multiliteracies for a Digital Agetaught me the critical aspects present in technology courses. As technology continues to evolve many professors are not focusing on the rhetorical skills needed to understand the power that is present following technology. Douglas Noble stated that, “The technical focus shifts attention away from social questions and portrays computers as something to learn rather than something to think about” (Noble). By this statement, Douglas Noble means that courses today are only training students how to use technology, not educating them on the fundamentals of technology. In today’s society professors are teaching students to do well, not to truly understand technology and how to use it.

Another quote that suck with me throughout this reading is that, “Knowledge is constructed through active not passive means” (Ben-Ari; Kafai; Lester, Fitzgerald, and Stone). To gain knowledge about technology individuals need to be active participants in learning. Just accepting what you learn will not make a difference. Classes need to dig deeper than teaching basic content to help students succeed in life.

While reading these chapters I began comparing the learning techniques to my own experiences in school. I believe professors want their students to do well in the courses they teach, but they often do not care if the information you learn sticks with you forever. Throughout high school I studied to pass exams not to gain knowledge. I believe this set me back in college because I was not prepared to carry the knowledge I learned in the first chapter with me through the last.

In conclusion, students need to be educated on technology and its advances to help promote a change. If students become rhetorically literate, they will be more aware of the changes occurring in technology. Technology can be harmful, but with the proper knowledge students can help promote a positive change in technologies advances.

I chose visual and written for my two rhetoric strategies. I chose written because I believe I express my ideas in the best way through my writing. Writing helps me gather all of my thoughts and respond in an appropriate way. Also, I chose visual because I believe this GIF provides individuals with the support that they need while going through school. Students need to be motivated to gain knowledge on certain topics and as a result positive changes will occur.

[courtneysteinmann]

As I began to read The Primary Care Clinic as Writing Space I was immediately challenged in my beliefs. Personally, I never associated the writing process to be such a key component in the medical field. Throughout the reading I began to understand the importance of writing in a medical setting. Clinicians are often writing down patient’s information, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plans. This process is also known as “charting”. Each of these categories must be written in a way that everyone in the room has a clear understanding. A half of our population encounters a chronic illness at some point in their lives. With that being said, it is important for health care clinicians to do their best to convey the information a client is expressing to them. This information will be relayed through different people in the medical field, so everyone needs to be able to interpret a clear message. While reading I found myself agreeing with the writing process being critical for treating patients suffering with a chronic illness. 

Throughout the reading I began reflecting on my own field of study. While going to school to become a Speech Language Pathologist I have learned the importance of communication. Miscommunication with a client has the ability to hinder their healing process. Although, these clinicians did not view themselves as writers their writing is some of the most important information they carry. Throughout the Michigan State study the clinicians believed they were only delivering information to a patient, but they did not understand their writing is the backbone of their career. Their writing has allowed them to collect, analyze, and interpret information that has been passed on through different individuals in the medical field. For example, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and techs are only a few individuals that will be passing on their writing for other medical professionals to interpret. I believe without the proper writing a primary care clinic would be full of miscommunication.

For my two rhetoric strategies I chose are linguistic and visual. For linguistic I described what I believed was the most important message from the article. I chose linguistic because I can convey a clear message through my writing. For visual I chose a gif conveying an example of miscommunication. I chose this gif because clinicians need to understand the important of their writing in their career. Without proper writing their field would be full of miscommunication.

[courtneysteinmann]

After reading Spaces For Writing, I began to question my own writing process. This comic made me dig into the processes that I go through as I begin to write. Writing information down on a scrap piece of paper helps me get my ideas out. As I read this comic I jotted down information I thought was important. I found it interesting that the comic pointed out the beginning process of writing. As I begin to write, I find myself struggling with a blank page. Throughout the comic I agreed with the points that were made, but I struggled to get it onto paper in my own words. I struggle to find inspiration in my writing. I enjoyed learning that others struggle because of too much information flowing through their brain at once. Spaces For Writing helped me understand a lot about the writing process. My views were changed while reading about an audience’s expectations towards an individual’s writing. I never viewed my use of social media as a writing process that was being judged by others. Even writing that occurs in private may not stay private forever. This was scary to read because you never know what you say will end up where. I disagreed with Plato’s views on rhetoric. I do not believe that the concept of rhetoric will lead to individuals deceiving others. Also, I do not believe graphic media displays influence an individual’s perspective. Reading this comic allowed me to further understand the process that goes into writing and everything that goes into a good piece.

For my rhetoric strategies I used written and visual. I used written to describe how I felt while reading the comic. This helped me describe the views I agreed with and the views I failed to agree with. Next, I used a gif for the visual rhetoric strategy. This gif describes how I feel in the beginning of my writing process. I write information down to help me, but I struggle to write about this information.

[courtneysteinmann]

Hi, my name is Courtney Steinmann and I am a senior here at ESU majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. After completing my senior year I plan to stay at ESU for 2 years and receive my master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Three of my greatest loves are weight lifting, food, and my dog. I love competing in races and pushing my limits. Some of my favorite foods include pizza, tacos, and pasta. I look forward to learning more about everyone here!