Perhaps that should read “Interactive fiction as a training tool”. Either way, it would appear that I’ve uncovered a way to turn a writing form that intrigues me into a tool that my teaching self would approve of.
The method really kind of reminds me of the SKillSoft course on behavioral interviewing from a few years ago, but I can easily see how that would work. In fact, I think my interactive piece I was working on last summer (that’s currently gathering dust while I try to knock out Dead Bunny work) actually fits within this because it had varying levels of rightness.
I think if done well, it might also be helpful in teaching children how to interact with each other.
Very interesting. Very flexible artform.
Posted by Rebecca as Interactive Fiction at 7:36 AM EDT
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A choose-your-own-adventure has been unfolding in the Mission District of San Francisco. Someone has been leaving the story in bites with arrows to direct the reader where to find the next piece. Forks in the story lead in different directions. (I’m sure this works much better if you’re in the Mission District actually following the blurbs.)
Research isn’t turning up a creator, but there are some funny ideas on what this unique story presentation method might spark.
Part of the charm of the interactive fiction format is that it can be presented in a wide variety of ways. The medium possibilities are endless.
Posted by Rebecca as Interactive Fiction at 7:56 AM EDT
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I realize it’s summer, and for many students that means no schoolwork. For those stuck in summer or year-round school (both of which, I’m betting, just went into session, if Dead Bunny is any indication), check out this incredible guide for writing essays.
Not only do they cover how to approach each section of the essay, they also tackle the different types of essays and include a section on creating citations under various style guides. It’s great!
If you’re a student who isn’t currently in school, bookmark this site so you can use it in the fall!
Posted by Rebecca as Resources at 7:44 AM EDT
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I’ve decided to tackle two of Lorelle on WordPress’ blogging challenges at the same time and talk about why I blog and maybe a little bit of how I blog
Lorelle’s first challenge is to describe blogging. Sounds simple enough. Except we aren’t allowed to say, “Blogging is typing thoughts on a topic into a text editor that will post those thoughts onto website via the blogging engine of your choice.” I’m fine with that, actually, because it really doesn’t describe what I’m doing right now. Honestly, blogging is about writing about something important to you. It’s thinking about what you’re reading or doing and writing about it. It’s about finding a cool bit of information and preserving it for future reference. It’s about exploring a favorite hobby, or learning about something new. Occasionally, it’s even about actually teaching.
Simply put, blogging is what you bring to it. If you bring to it a thirst for knowledge, then you’ll come away having learned something. If you bring to it a desire to understand something better, you’ll walk away with a new insight into that topic. If you bring to it a desire to just get your thoughts down somewhere, you’ll find a sense of rejuvenation. If you bring to it a desire for instant fame…well…you’ll either find yourself receiving a level of notoriety you didn’t want, or you’ll burn out quickly when you realize it’s not that simple.
The cool part about being a blogger is that you get to combine a wide array of skills, skills I happen to enjoy using. You get to read and do some research while you’re either fact-checking or diving deeper into something. You get to write. You can choose to learn as you hand code your HTML or LaTex into your posts. If you aren’t super shy like me, you can hold conversations in your comments and build relationships with like-minded people. You get to explore, not only the topic, but yourself as well. What is this topic? Why is it important to me?
Lorelle’s second challenge is to describe what you need for blogging. I’m a pretty lightweight blogger. My job and my schedule pretty much leave me blogging at home, so I type away on my stationary laptop. I do keep a notebook on me at work for those flashes of inspiration. Other than that, I use Google Reader and EverNote to find interesting information or inspiration and start organizing resources. I’m a fairly simple blogger, I guess.
Posted by Rebecca as Uncategorized at 8:12 AM EDT
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