Activities

This sequence is built for Basic Writing classes that contain a strong online element. The goal of these assignments is to create a low stakes, anonymous space where students can explore different modalities, voices, and even identities. For this class to work, all assignments must be done online, and all online interactions must be anonymous.

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Each of these projects emphasizes a unique collaborative style that mirrors the “crowdsourcing” movement, where students work not as isolated individuals or closed off communities, but as a disparate group laboring for mutual benefit. Each student does his or her own research and writing, but is free to borrow, remix, or engage with his or her peers’ work without fear of reprimand.

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The teacher’s presence must be minimal in this aspect of the class (which may serve as a supplement to a more traditional in-person lesson plan). Though the teacher may comment on or engage in discussion with the students’ work, it must always be done anonymously and from the perspective of a peer. Grades will be distributed via a portfolio style system, though certain landmarks (rough drafts, research proposals, etc.) may be required to encourage participation.

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Throughout this sequence the student will be asked to work with a variety of modalities, and since all participation and grading is done anonymously, is encouraged to be critical of both the work he or she engages with and the structure of the classroom itself. At the conclusion of each activity, students will include a short retrospective detailing how they approached the different stages of each assignment and outline their process. Certain assignments require the use of extra credit to incentivize engagement and careful participation. These assignments should be revealed one at a time as their deadline approaches. Spontaneity and resource sharing are encouraged.