Week 4: Shepherd's After You Read Questions

Based on Shepherd’s survey, do students see a connection between FB and FYC? How do you explain this result?

After reading Shepherd’s survey, I still feel like students do not see a connection between FB and FYC.  Since 313 out of 432 students viewed their activity on FB as conversational, I can safely say that students cannot see the connection FYC.  I believe FB is not seen as composition platform where students are utilizing writing practices, because it is not presented in compositions classes as another avenue for students to communicate their writing.  I cannot blame them for thinking that FB is not an extension of a composition class, because FB intended purpose is to connect with friends.

What was his purpose?

The purpose of Shepherd’s research was to enlighten his audience about how FB is connected to FYC.  He conducted this study to prove to his audience that many students are using writing practices while on FB; however, they need to cross over the boundary of their interpretation of what writing and composition looks like outside of the classroom.

What makes his argument kairotic?

Timing is everything.  As the use of technology is integrated into comp classroom, it is important that teachers and students utilize online rhetorical digital spaces as well.  Shepard’s argument is let’s not rule out FB as a rhetorical space for writing, but integrate it as a platform in FYC classrooms.