New university students are digital natives; our classrooms filled with technology. Our students are increasingly online only – distanced by the demands of economics, geography, or time. Yet as English scholars, most of our training has been with physical materials and face-to-face methods: books, paper, discussion. So what are the best methods of using technology in our classrooms? How, why, and when should we use it?
Digital English is an evolving, open-access handbook of original, adaptable and proven exercises, assignments, and techniques using digital, online and mobile technology. These exercises are designed to engage students in the tertiary English classroom – whether physical or virtual.
English broadly defined (literary studies, creative writing, composition, professional writing, cultural studies, media studies, drama and film studies, and critical theory) is taught widely in universities nationally and internationally, with new teaching appointments every year. More and more universities are transplanting their courses into the online realm. Yet it is difficult to find teaching handbooks that offer ideas, tips and practical solutions for tertiary teachers to improve their teaching using the affordances of mobile and e-technologies, or to help with the transition to online or blended teaching.
Digital English offers you, the university English teacher, a practical resource that you can use, whatever your stage of teaching, structured so you can hit the ground running. The exercises published here including tips, advice, reflection, and best practice pedagogy that has been tested by experience.
Digital English is supported by the University of Tasmania and the English Teachers Association of Western Australia.