Online Writing: KL Chapter 6

Although the concept of Fan Fiction seems relatively simple, I had never heard of it before reading this chapter. Fan Fiction sounds like a good basis that can be adapted for classroom exercises and lessons.

Affinity Space reminds me of how students can become “experts” on a certain book series or be identified as a reader of a certain series. People interacting with each other over a common passion or interest in a Fan Fiction setting can also easily happen in the classroom. This identity and discourse that comes through Fan Fiction interaction can also come through literature.

The types of reviews given to Nanako that are described by the author are feedback that peers could provide peers or teachers provide students. OMG Standard, Gentle Critique, Focused Critique, and Editorialized Gossip sound like fun and current was for students to provide feedback. I especially like the editorialized gossip concept in which people comment on characters as if they were real people. This would be a fun exercise for book characters or student’s characters from their own writing.

I thought that several interesting points were made in this chapter that can be applied to classroom instruction. Initially, I was not sure why the author chose to focus on ELL students. However, I now see how the design of Fan Fiction, especially Nanako’s page, provides a setting for struggling writers and ELL students to practice their skills without solely focusing on technical aspects. I think another aspect of Fan Fiction that makes it a healthy outlet is that it is somewhat anonymous. I wonder if anonymous classroom writing would be a helpful practice? Students may not be embarrassed of their spelling or writing skills and students could provide each other with feedback.

Since there is a focus on pop culture in this chapter, I decided to post a picture of Kendall and Kylie (half sisters to the infamous Kardashian sisters) Jenner’s new book. Although I cannot attest to their writing abilities or the plot of this book, I was excited to hear this news. Most celebrities or realty stars would release a new perfume or beauty product, but these girls decided to co-author a young adult book! I hope that more people in the spotlight follow this role as pop culture has been found to be very motivating to students. Even if the book Rebels: City of Indra is flop, maybe it will excite some young readers and fans of the Jenner/Kadashian clan.