Classmate: Patrick Blois
Task 7: Mode Bending
Patrick explores the transmediation of his “What’s in My Bag” task by converting his written description into Braille using BrailleTranslator.org and pairing it with an audio recording of their voice posted to YouTube. This innovative approach provides accessibility for both tactile and auditory learners, showcasing a deliberate effort to engage diverse audiences. The content of his bag reflects both his professional and personal life, including books for professional development and leisure, work tools, and nostalgic items like a hacky sack from high school. He also ponders the blurred boundaries between personal and professional identities, adding a reflective dimension to their work.
I found Patrick’s post both thoughtful and creative, and I deeply appreciated his use of Braille and audio as tools for accessibility. This approach not only enriches content but also aligns with the values of inclusivity and universal design. In contrast, my own post presents the same task in a poetic style inspired by Mary Oliver. While my creative approach focuses on evoking imagery and emotion, his work emphasizes functionality and accessibility, highlighting how different choices can shape the reader or listener’s experience.
Our posts share a connection in how we both sought to reinterpret the task through unique lenses. However, his emphasis on accessibility introduces a perspective I hadn’t considered in my own work. By utilizing Braille and audio, he provides tactile and auditory literacies. This contrast to my own interpretation encourages me to think about how poetic styles might be adapted or complemented to reach a broader audience, making the work more inclusive.
Both of our posts respond to the course design in distinct but complementary ways. While his work critically addresses accessibility and expands the task’s reach, mine aligns with the pedagogical aim of encouraging diverse, creative interpretations. Together, our efforts exemplify how the same task can lead to vastly different yet equally meaningful outcomes.
By linking my post to Patrick’s, I’m reminded of the value of combining creativity with inclusivity. Their work inspires me to think about how I could integrate similar accessibility features into my own web space, ensuring that my creative expressions resonate with as many people as possible. Together, our posts create a web of interconnected perspectives that highlight the richness of diverse approaches to the same task.