The purpose of this unit is to capture the lyrical power of the texting or tweeting form while reflecting on how we currently use this form of technology.

So many of the lessons taught in school about the use of modern technology are negative ones.  Yes, we know that texting is affecting the way we use language, how we interact with others, and even how we are able to think.  We struggle to focus for extended periods, which is part of what makes reading increasing difficult for young people.  Every time your phone pings, you are distracted from your task and then have to struggle to pick up the thread of the thought you were working with before you were distracted.

However:  both texting and tweeting require you to be more concise and focused.  In longer forms, including emails and spoken forms such as voicemails or phone calls, we have the chance to ramble and talk in circles.  The skill of saying somewhat worth hearing or reading in the confines of the text or tweet form is very important.

Texting Memoir

Texting creates a conversation which illustrates a narrative between two people.  Even if this narrative or story is not particularly compelling, it still has meaning and creates a kind of history of a relationship.

MINE:  I've included two of my recent conversations, one with my 14 year old son, and one with my BFF who lives in Montreal.

How are the conversations different?  Consider content, language, style, tone.

THEIRS:  Read at least part of this memoir-in-text.

Texting Memoir  (note:  there is some use of  'strong' language; you have been warned)

What do you notice?  Is it the same as a traditional memoir?  How does the text format change the content?  Record your ideas in your writer's log.

YOURS:  Next, take out your phone.  Look at the conversations you have had recently in text form.

Choose one you are prepared to share...let's keep it school appropriate...and transcribe it in your writer's log.

• Write a paragraph reflecting on the content of the exchange. 
• describe how it would be understood by someone other than the two people involved
• describe how significant the conversation is (e.g. meaningful, light, pointless, etc.)

FOMO: Are you afraid of missing out?

Studies show that depression and anxiety in young people is increasingly caused by a phenomenon called "FOMO", or Fear Of Missing Out.

Read this article FOMO Article

In your log, evaluate whether this is an accurate description of your experiences with social media and networking. 

#TMMPoetry

National Public Radio (the American equivalent of the CBC) recently launched a program to celebrate National Poetry Month called #TMMPoetry, or "Tell Me More".

Go to Twitter and search #tmmpoetry
Read as many as you like.  Some are pretty awesome, some pretty awful.
Choose one you really like and write it into your log.  Explain why you chose it.
(Bonus:  choose one you thought was really awful and do the same as above.)

In your log, write a few drafts of a #tmmpoetry text....remember it must be no more than 140 characters.
Have a peer read your drafts.  What can you improve?  Which is best?

Go on your twitter account, if you have one.  Include and post your poem referencing @buckeyesnyc so I will see it automatically.  (unfortunately it counts towards your 140 characters).  If you're brave, put it out there with the #tmmpoetry tag.

OR, if you're not feeling at all brave, write your final draft in the comment section below.  However, I would really encourage you to put it out there!

SMS Poetry

The Guardian Newspaper in the UK recently held a competition of best poetry written in SMS (short message service) language.

Read them here:
SMS Poetry Winners

Which ones do you think are most successful?  Why?  Make a brief entry in your writer's log.

Write one of your own in your writer's log.