658 Week 2 - Blog 1

The introduction to VRDW piqued my curiosity. It asks, “Why do some writing curricula’s continue to focus only on words when today’s documents are increasingly hybrids of words, images, and design” (9). Like many Comp. majors, I have an extreme fondness for pieces of paper. As the professor mentioned last week, the texture and smell of a book are one of the joys of life. So where does the line get drawn as to when too much digital is too much? Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on one’s opinion), I don’t think anyone has the answer. As teachers and researchers, this is where theory has a boundary and practical application will hold the answer for instructors. This is one of those times when we are exploring new territory—how about the analogy of exploring the bottom of the ocean or outer space? Truly, digital media and the effect it will have as a teaching aid and later as a replacement for paper are as yet unknown. As for me, I used to be more close-minded about the “intrusion” of digital media into literature, but now I’ve opened myself to the benefits. But if I die today, please bury me with my paper book—and don’t let anybody pry that tome from my rigid hand!