What's the Matter With Kids Today?

Here's the link:
What's the Matter With Kids Today? by Amy Goldwasser

In our class discussion of this article, we seemed to agree on the idea that, if kids use common sense and self-control, technology can be a powerful learning tool and an outlet for creative expression. Here's my question: can we really rely on teens, or even their parents, to apply self-control and establish limits in their use of technology?

Audiobooks, anyone?

I had to post this ad because I found it really interesting--I've mentioned in class that I'm resistant to e-readers, and yet, while I was working on my master's degree, I did quite a bit of my "reading" via audio files on my iPod. The problem was trying to go back and forth between the printed text and the audio.  Here's the solution to that problem! I may have to buy a Kindle now! (Ha :)) What do you think? Could you convert to audiobooks?

"Mind Over Mass Media"

"Mind Over Mass Media"

Do you agree with Pinker that "[t]he effects of consuming electronic media are...likely to be far more limited than the panic implies"? Or do you think we need to be more concerned about the world's steady diet of information that is fast-paced but lacking depth?

"The ABCs of E-Reading"

So, what did you think about "The ABCs of E-Reading"? If you are not an avid reader of e-books, did this convince you to run out and buy a Kindle? If you already own some kind of electronic reader, did this justify your purchase and make you feel superior to those of us who are digging in our heels, resisting technology, and clinging to our beat-up paperbacks?

"The Power of Young Adult Fiction"

Here is the link to the next article:
The Power of Young Adult Fiction
Remember to click on each of the articles and read all seven commentaries.

What is your experience with young adult fiction? Which of the articles do you agree with? Which ones do you disagree with?


In other news, here are links to the Google Docs versions of the handouts we looked at in class on writing summaries, evaluations, and comparisons for your reading responses.  The formatting is a little different, but the information is still there.

Evaluation/Comparison Handout
Summary Handout

The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Fiction

I'm seriously impressed with the number of questions and responses that are already on the blog, and with the thought you have put into them.  Thank you!! Here is the link to our next reading, "The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Fiction". Also, I've provided all the links to this unit of readings on the side bar to the right, just in case you're ambitious and want to read ahead :)

Just as a side note, as I was driving home today, I caught a radio broadcast on NPR with storyteller Bill Harley.  He provides some interesting insights on how stories affect the way we think and why we need stories to help us make sense of the world around us.  It really seems to go hand-in-hand with the article we're reading for next week.  If you get a chance, visit the website listen to some of it.  Here is the link: Radiowest Bill Harley interview.

Welcome to Fall Semester 2012!

Welcome to English 1010! This blog is the place to find links to articles, post discussion questions about the articles, and respond to others' discussion questions.

Here is a link to the first reading, due Friday, August 31st.  Remember to bring a hard copy or electronic copy to class, be prepared to discuss it and answer questions about it in class, and then post a question or comment about it on the blog. Email me at emilywhitby1@weber.edu if you have any trouble accessing the article.

Caleb Crain, "Twilight of the Books"