Chapter 7

                                

     Chapter 7 focused on using digital writing to help students with their writing process. There are many different ways that teaching writing using digital writing is beneficial, such as using online webs and using digital mentor texts. The strategy that I wanted to focus on was the use of blogs as response journals, and embedding media into blogs. This is relevant to me right now because this class was the first time I ever wrote a blog, so I thought it would be fun to talk more about them and play around with the different media features possible.

     The text explains how blogs are easy to use, provide opportunity for commenting on peer’s work, and the ability to provide extra information using media. One of the easiest and most basic forms of media that can go into a blog are images. I typically always post a picture at the beginning of my blogs as it makes it more interesting and draws reader's eyes to my post. I chose this image above because it demonstrates how a photo makes you want to read somebody's blog and draws a reader in. Another benefit to including images might be that it explains something you discussed in a better, simpler way. For example if you are talk about the water cycle, an image of the water cycle might help explain the information that you discussed, in a simpler way to understand.  

     A second form of media that can be embedded into blogs are videos. If I am explaining how to make guacamole in my blog, readers might not understand how to peel an avocado the right way, and explaining it using words just might not do it for them. The link is right there, and available for viewing with just a click. Inserting videos into blogs are great, however the text does make a valid point in saying that sometimes it takes away from your blog. Therefore, it is important to make sure it is absolutely necessary, and does not take away from your own work. 

     The final form of media I will discuss is the use of embedding audio into a blog. Maybe you are analyzing a song, and you want to add the audio of the part of the song you are discussing. This gives readers a better idea of what you are talking about. You may also choose to include audio or podcasts of yourself speaking to clarify something. 

     These are all great forms of media to include into a blog that the text reviews. I am so happy to learn about all of these great features for my future as a both a student and a teacher.