This upcoming semester, we would like to reshape the way WritingwithMachines operates by continuing to pursue the best parts of our certification sequence but from our group’s origin point as an inquisitive community of practice. Our goal is to step back from notions of “training” and instead engage in collaborative research and discussion, supporting and edifying each other as writing instructors who utilize technology in our classrooms (both online and onsite).

Our plan is to host 3-4 discussions over the course of the semester focused on pertinent topics:

• Topic 1: digital annotation tools and strategies for close reading online/OER texts
• Topic 2: cultural responsive pedagogy within the domain of online reading, writing, and learning
• Topic 3: technologies that allow for synchronous, online discussions used to support reading, drafting, peer review, and instruction delivery
• Topic 4: course design that encourages a recursive writing process

Each discussion will kick off with an email invitation that describes the topic and links to an annotated bibliography cultivated by various Letters and WritingwithMachines faculty. This bibliography will list resources, perspectives, questions, theories, hopes, and dreams and will be housed in our Canvas website. Over the course of a two weeks window, those who are interested in pursuing the topic will explore this bibliography independently via further research, actual classroom practices, criticisms, questions, and ambitious proposals. At the end of the two weeks, those who participate will be invited to share their responses in a culminating discussion by posting to this blog and/or by attending an hour long meeting online.

Our hope is that spreading each discussion out over a few weeks will create asynchronous opportunities for individuals to pop in for 15-minutes here and 20-minutes there, culminating in a rad blog post or a rich synchronous meeting such that by the end of each multi-week period we will be rewarded with cool ideas, new tricks and tips, and refreshing commiseration. All time spent in any of the activities described above can be claimed for FLEX credit.

If you’re interested in participating, please look for emails coming to your inbox throughout the semester. Also, if you are interested in completing or beginning our Certification Sequence, please email curry at cmitchell@miracosta.edu.

Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in our community. Have an excellent semester.