Janet Ward’s Intro
Image Source – obtained through Google search (free to modify, share and use)
I have recently become intrigued with calligraphy. I have ordered some reference books and a beginner’s kit of materials. I really don’t know what sparked my interest, but I have always appreciated the beauty of this type of writing. Being a lefty may present a challenge — but I am intent on learning this. I am not artistic in the least…perhaps this will be a way to nurture my right hemisphere.
I wonder…are calligraphy and subsequently letter writing in general losing their place in our society? How much do we, as instructors, try to preserve the “traditional way of doing” in the face of changing ways of communicating and transmission of information? What effect will technology have on informal and formal language and correspondence? I remember not long ago there was a statement that said we will no longer be teaching cursive writing (See CTV News). I just learned about “Thug Notes” from one of my learners where they turn classic literature into “gangster speak”. Food for uneasy thought…
My name is Janet Ward, and, I say with a reflective sigh, this is my tenth and final class for the MET. I noted that many of your names are familiar to me, so I am sure I have encountered quite a few of you in past courses. Nice to “see” you again!
I live in Regina, Saskatchewan, and instruct at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly, SIAST). I teach Computer Apps, Computer Science, Math and Accounting in our adult upgrading program (aka Basic Education). It is rewarding, but sometimes the challenges the learners face overwhelm me. They are adept at texting, facebook, and so on…but when it comes to the academics they struggle immensely. A challenge for myself is to try to marry these two together…using technology to make academics easier.
I don’t have children, but I have two cats that I adore (to my husband’s chagrin). He’s an instructor as well, but he farms on the side which is his true passion. As with letter writing and calligraphy, small scale farming too is becoming a lost tradition.
I am looking forward to this course as more of an overview of the effect of technology on our communication – methods, styles and modes, and how we can identify and preserve what is important.
J@net
Hi Janet! Welcome… I think that calligraphy is actually gaining reputation, it is just not necessarily happening within the classroom. Calligraphy (as lettering and other manifestations of hand script) seems to be now perceived as a sort of artisanal skill that because is no longer needed for communication can be better appreciated for its aesthetics. That is of course only my opinion. Anyways, I recently started to practice calligraphy as well, we can share notes!
Thanks, Ernesto! I haven’t even cracked open the calligraphy kit yet – but hope to very soon. I certainly agree that the artistic quality of calligraphy is why it is still being practiced. It’s also nice to think that an old tradition is being preserved at the same time.
Hi Janet.
Great intro! When I read it, I immediately thought of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvSyQDu49pI .
Have a look – I think you’ll love it, as I did.
Hi Joshua,
Thanks for the youtube link! I went on to watch his TEDx talk too. Very inspiring!
Hi Janet, I was in a previous course with you, nice to see you again! My 12 year old hates, hates, hates learning writing, and is very reluctant to change his printing. I keep trying to emphasize that one reason for cursive writing is speed – but he is not buying into it.
Hi Janet,
When I read this, I thought of this: http://www.booooooom.com/2015/09/11/an-interview-with-master-calligrapher-seb-lester/
I really admire caligraphy and visual note-taking. I’m not skilled in either, but have mad respect for people that are. That being said, I haven’t had much practise in either.
Btw, 10 must feel pretty good! Looking forward to that day!