Category Archives: Uncategorized

I recently stumbled upon this article about how chimpanzees living in the West African savannah have been observed making pencil-like tools and using them in written communication. I found this of particular interest after reading the Baron article about writing … Continue reading →

In Denis Baron’s article on page 16 & 18, he refers to the pencil as an advanced communication technology. Obviously the pencil itself cannot be technology, but why does Baron refer to the pencil as a “technology?” Is he talking … Continue reading →

I had the good fortune to read Carr’s article when it was first published in 2008. I would say that at that time I was on track to becoming something exactly like he describes in the article, a so-called “power … Continue reading →

Nicholas Carr tells readers about his inability to read long articles or books. He attributed this to google/”the world wide web.” He also discusses how his literary friends feel the same way. These are people who used to read often … Continue reading →

In his article, Baron specifies ways in which writing differs from other forms of communication. He points out that while writing does not include the non-verbals, tones, pauses, etc. that direct speech consists of, it can trescend time (21). Is … Continue reading →

Lecture halls are filled with the bright lights of laptops–many students choose to type instead of using a pen and a notebook. Passages of long readings are highlighted instead of annotated in the margins. Why do we do these things? Maybe … Continue reading →

Oh my, I am so sorry for this late post. I sometimes lose track of what week it is. Anyway, my question deals with the original “Why Johnny Can’t Write” article. The paper discusses the disappointing and even shockingly low … Continue reading →

Since some of you have expressed an interest in alternative education methods, I thought it might be helpful and informative to share with everyone one of the most radical and innovative ways of conducting “school.” It’s called a free school, … Continue reading →

The comment made by James Knapton infuriated me. I think it highlights a serious deficiency in the adaptability of educators across America. He refers to kids talking and rapping with each other, devaluing the literacy mechanisms and word usage skills … Continue reading →

Bartlett’s article focuses primarily on the issue that “college has not been doing a good job of teaching students how to write”.  The question that surrounds this supposed problem is whether it is the job of colleges to teach writing … Continue reading →