Introduction and Contextualization
Language and communication are powerful tools used to express thoughts, exchange information, and connect people. They are constantly evolving and changing, and with the digital age, communication genres have also changed. New channels and formats have emerged, shaping a new landscape of writing styles and textual genres. Therefore, in the English discipline, we will embark on a journey of discovery and exploration about the "Aspects of current genres".
In this project, each group of 3 to 5 students will explore the different forms of writing and current digital genres: blogs, instant messages, tweets, among others. We will learn about the new forms of expression that include word abbreviations, combinations of letters and numbers, pictograms, graphic symbols, and much more. This project is not only about learning these genres, but also about developing technical and socio-emotional skills, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and proactivity.
The current digital genres are a manifestation of the contemporary era, in which technology and social networks dominate much of our lives. Being familiar with these genres is not only a survival skill in the digital age, but also a way to understand and connect with different cultures and communities around the world. Through this experience, we hope that you, students, can not only improve your English skills but also understand the relevance and importance of current digital genres in our globalized society.
To start this project, we recommend some very interesting and reliable sources for you to consult:
- BBC Learn English
- Cambridge Dictionary Online
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries
- Small Manual of Abbreviations and Acronyms used on the internet.
- Digital Genres in School
These sources will be useful for you to better understand the key theoretical concepts of the project and also to delve deeper into the subject. Remember, understanding current digital genres is not only about learning to use them, but also about understanding the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects they represent.
Practical Activity
Activity Title: Creation of the "Glossary of Digital Genres"
Project Objective:
Explore, analyze, and understand the various aspects of current digital genres and create an interactive glossary that documents these genres, as well as demonstrates their real-life application.
Detailed Project Description:
The project is divided into two main stages: Research and Creation of the Glossary.
1. Research:
Students must investigate the different current digital genres: blogs, instant messages, tweets, and others. They should learn about the origin of these genres, the language used, and the existing cultural variations.
2. Creation of the Glossary:
After the research phase, students must compile what they have learned into a "Glossary of Digital Genres". This glossary should be interactive and contain examples of the real use of these genres, meaning, and the socio-cultural context in which they are found.
Necessary Materials:
- Internet access
- Computer or electronic device for research and glossary creation
- Word processing program (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.)
- Creativity and teamwork spirit
Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:
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Formation of groups: Students must form groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group must select a leader who will coordinate the activities and ensure the collaboration of all members.
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Research: Each group must research the different current digital genres. They should investigate how they originated, what their characteristics are, how they are used, and what they represent in modern societies.
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Glossary: Based on their research, groups must create a "Glossary of Digital Genres". They must define each genre, provide examples of its use, and explain its cultural context. The glossary should be presented in a visually appealing and interactive way.
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Delivery and presentation of the project: Each group must submit the created glossary and make a presentation to the class, explaining what they learned during the research. This presentation should be conducted in English and should last between 15 to 20 minutes.
Project Deliverables:
Students must deliver the "Glossary of Digital Genres" and make a presentation to the class. Both must be conducted in English. In addition, they must prepare a written report in English detailing the project creation process. The report should include:
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Introduction: Explain the project theme, its relevance, and how it applies to the real world. The project's objective should also be described here.
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Development: Describe the research process and the methodology used to collect information. They should also discuss the difficulties encountered and how they were resolved.
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Conclusion: Conclude the report by highlighting the main learnings and reflections on the activity. It is important to draw parallels with teamwork and socio-emotional skills developed during the project.
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Bibliography: Students must list all sources consulted during the research. The citation format should follow the APA or MLA standard.
Note that all work, from research to report creation, must be conducted in English. This increases the project's difficulty but also offers a great opportunity for students to develop their language skills in a real context.