Chapter 2: Words, Audio, Video: Composing and the Processes of Production

Selfe, Cynthia L. Multimodal Composition: Resources for Teachers.

             Cresskill, NJ: Hampton, 2007. Print.

This chapter talks about using audio and video as part of the composing process. I was really excited to read this chapter, because I personally dread having to do audiovisual projects, and I was interested in getting some perspectives on how teachers can make this a less intimidating experience for their students.

Something I really like about this chapter is the fact that it addresses the challenges associated with using audio and video in the composing classroom. "Teaching students to compose audio or video essays also poses new and unfamiliar challenges to many teachers and students. For instance, teachers who assign only alphabetic essays can anticipate that students have considerable experience choosing topics for written essays (17). I think that addressing the fact that teachers have anxiety about using this format is helpful. Sometimes students feel that they're the only ones who have trepidation about trying new things. Knowing that teachers also have issues using this format shows that it's something that needs further exploration, especially in the beginning phases to get everyone more accustomed to it. I am confused about why there isn't more of this in place already

Something I would like to know more about is the notion that students are comfortable and familiar with all forms of writing technology. "teachers... can generally count on their students being familiar with, and having access to, some common forms of writing technology: pencils, pens, computers and word-processing programs." While pretty much all students can use pencils and pens, a lot still have issues of access and skill-level when it comes to word processing programs or other forms of composing. My fear is that, as new technologies emerge, we will forget that some students still aren't proficient in the basics, like MS Word, etc.