Article on Writing & Technology

"Rhizomatics": Following the roots in writing and research heuristics." Adam Webb.

Webb basically takes someone else's theory (referred to as Cormier), which is called a "rhizomatic model of education," and applies it to the classroom setting. "Rhizome" is a concept which provides a "flexible conception of knowledge for the information age" (3). Cormier beleives that knowledge can be negotiated and that learning is a contextual, collaborative endeavor, and using web-based programs, students can greatly expand their ability to research and write. With this kind of information technology now commonplace in society, students can now explore different perspectives of an issue or topic, develop their own perspectives, create a narrative that allows the audience to come up with their own perspective on the subject. Webb provides questions for students to ask themselves, as well as activities for teachers to conduct in the classrooms to make the shift into a more technology-based classroom learning experience.

The article is significant in today's world because, unlike my generation, who grew up as this technology was first becoming available to us, kids and adolescents today are expected to know how to use the technology that they've always known to exist, as well as be able to utilize the information that is so easily accessible. Classrooms absolutely need to make this shift (if they haven't already) to incorporate this type of learning in the classroom.