For each class I teach I create a website, providing the complete syllabus and schedule so that students always have access to course materials. In the spring of 2000 I was fortunate to be able to teach a section of Composition in the English Department's computerized classroom, giving me the opportunity to fully immerse the learning process in technology. Beginning Fall 2001 I will serve as Associate Coordinator of the English Department's computerized classroom, and I will be able to once more teach with computers. I look forward to continuing my dedication to developing my computerized pedagogy and to helping undergraduate and graduate students use technology in the classroom. Professor Olson allowed me to lead discussions of many of the readings, including the discussion of Jane Eyre .
Students read the novel, then watched a movie version in class.
Using scenes from yet another movie version, I was able to initiate a spirited class discussion of the story from observations students made about changes between the movie versions and the book version of Jane Eyre . Students gained a deeper understanding of not only Jane Eyre , but also of the complexities of texts as complete creations. My belief in the importance of using popular culture forms and content in the classroom, and especially the writing classroom, grows out of my work in my Composition classes as well as the upper-level courses I've taught. Students, no matter what their age, not only more fully engage lessons that relate to their real lives but they also appreciate the chance to critically examine their world. Popular culture emphasizes passive acceptance of itself, without any critical understanding or examination, and therefore I believe it is important for students to have a chance to develop a critical understanding of the culture in which they live.