Chapter 7:Creating Your Digital Writing Workshop

I would like to focus on a particular, AND VERY IMPORTANT, quote from this chapter:

"In short, students must be made aware of the ways in which their writing is distributed and perceived across the many networks in which they participate, in school and out. And writing teachers need to consider the many ways in which students see themselves as writers [...] and invite them to be intentional about how they read and write in a digital age." (128)

This is something that I believe has been a huge problem regarding millions of people in the world. The internet offers so many things to us, so many spaces for us to share our thoughts with other voices that we forget that every single click and key typed has a consequence. It is like any action done or word spoken aloud--once it is done, you cannot take it back. I believe that students need heavy learning on what is right and not right to put on the internet. Ask your students, "I'd like all of you to picture your Facebook page, if you have one, or any personal site where you write your thoughts freely. Are you proud of the things you have posted? Would you be OK if that page represented who you are for the rest of your life? Would you be OK with me, your parents, the principle, or your Grandma reviewing it?" By doing this, students can understand the real implications that could be at hand. The truth is, even young adults my age are struggling with this. There are so many things that people are posting that keep them from getting the jobs they want or sustaining relationships (friendly or romantic) with others. Sometimes people share too much about themselves or make themselves seem like someone they are not, whether negative or positive. I wish there were more about this in this book. But, I understand that this book was mean to be the length it is. Truthfully, there could be a whole book merely dedicated to this chapter. But, the truth is, teachers need to become aware of this and guide there students into making responsible decisions!

--Kaitlyn