I have been very hesitant to begin this paper, I think because I am not exactly sure how to write it. Reading the outline for this reflection paper is very confusing to me. I started out by reading other papers so I have an idea how to begin.

            I was expecting something very different from this class; I assumed it was going to be just another English class. This class is all about not having any boundaries; we are encouraged to write anything we are passionate about, which to me is what makes a good paper. I do appreciate Trey’s teaching methods, never have I been in a classroom with so much freedom to express my writing abilities. Not only are we encouraged to write and blog but also peer editing is just as important to the class and the writing process as well. I feel that since I can write a paper I feel strongly about and then post it to the wikki so my classmates can review and edit it I can see my errors, or even my strengths and be able to become a better writer, maybe even begin to enjoy writing.

            I have never been a strong writer; hopefully completing this class will help me become more open to writing and not afraid to express myself on paper. To me, if I have to write a paper I would rather have limits and a specific subject to write about, I think it keeps me on track. I hope to feel as though writing won’t be such a chore to me by learning how to write through the wikki.

            I think the teaching techniques of Dr. Connors mixed with the tools of the wikki complement each other extremely well and will be able to help me learn to become a stronger writer, and this is something I hope to take advantage of.

This is how a usually feel when I sit down to begin a paper for Dr. Connors

Now I understand that this is the way I should be thinking instead. Hopefully by the end of this semester I can utilize this writing process

2. COVER LETTER

-modes of blogging and informal writing: academic, political/community-based, and personal

It is very important for us to be able to free write and blog through the wikki because this is where our most passionate papers are able to shine. When we can write about something we enjoy then we can put more into the paper and other people are able to get more out of it in return. Since we are free writing we are less concerned about the limits and guidelines and more able to focus on the paper and the final outcome. Lastly, I think we can really put our feelings into the paper and write any stile we would like, which always helps me not be afraid to write the paper.

-situating your writing: Analyzing, synthesizing, and composing with sources

I think the wikki is a valuable resource because we can use the internet to incorporate more things into our writings than we could by just putting them on paper. I like when I’m reviewing a peer’s paper and I can go to another link that they have used and become more familiar with the topic I am reading about. We can reference things linking other sites into our papers or show pictures, anything we want to make the paper more interesting and easy to read.

- composing processes: argument and persuasion

The composing process for these two is similar; normally I brainstorm on paper before I begin my journey on the wikki. I believe these two have much in common because while writing both an argument and persuasion paper, you have to put your point across strong. I like to believe firmly in while I am writing or else I believe my paper will not be convincing enough for someone to read, nor agree with the point I am trying to make.

- multimedia: visual analysis and composition, aural analysis and composition

                Adding pictures or anything visual to a paper can add a lot of character. It fills the paper more with information you could otherwise not be able to put into it.

- collaborative, coordinated, or distributed writing: linking, interacting, and responding in writing to/with peers.

                It’s very important to interact with other people through the wikki. When peers post their papers it may help them very much to be able to see what the pros and/or cons are in their papers. Giving honest feedback will let them improve on their writing skills for the future and may also be able to help the person reading the papers things that they didn’t realize they should or should not do.

- writing in the disciplines: connecting your writing to research and scholarship in a specific field

                Depending on the topic one is discussing, it can be necessary to quote or cite important facts or people to make the paper more convincing or factual.

- Community Writing (outside of academia)

                All the skill we are learning in this class will undoubtedly help us outside of the classroom. Whether we are becoming a journalist or just recreationally writing. We are learning discipline and different ways and styles to write, I think the more I learn about writing the better I will be as a writer and the more I will enjoy writing itself.