Waving

“Waving is communicating ideas to others through presenting, publishing, and sharing. Students share their ideas, try out new approaches, and ask for feedback," says Dr. Lamb. She also tells us that we need to consider the purpose, channels, and sharing of our information. I hope I have done just that.

(http://virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/waving.htm)

Audience

Callison tells us: “Audience analysis is an important part of the communications process in any field. Not only does correct audience analysis increase the chances of being heard, but more important, increases the chances of being understood (Callison and Preddy 2006, 287).

The goal of my project is to find out more about the Miami Indian settlement that once might have been located in my subdivision. This is a project for me, but as I research it, I realize that others in my neighborhood might have an interest. Local teachers might also have an interest, if I can find out more information from the historian writing for the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, Carl Leiter, or if, when time permits, I actually pour over the dusty documents in the library and do the research myself.

How to best present materials to a possible wide range of ages on this subject? I choose to do two things—keep the information very relevant to the topic, and not to go overboard on resources. I also do not choose scholarly articles, or those using lofty language. Sites which present materials for a general audience, as I am trying to reach, are ones I chose first, if possible.

Purpose and Channels

In consideration of my audience, I make sure I consider not only the types of resources I include in my project, but also the format. Videos of local sites add some fun and personal connection to what could be a dry history topic, and I try to make sure I include videos to add that fun.

Pictures are a necessity for something like this, and I had to work long and hard to find some that related to my topic. Putting some of the images (copyright free, I believe, because of the dates of the items, if I understand copyright law correctly) onto my wiki, and also providing links to other photo related sites was a must.

Fun facts, such as the site that allows you to listen to audio files of the Algonquin language being spoken add further interest. Adding formats that appeal to the various senses—sight and sound, in this case, help bring the Miami Indians to life. If I could add smell-o-vision, so you could smell the hides tanning, or sniff the rabbit roasting on a Miami spit, I would do it. I love resources that add sensory information to give depth to the text.

Sharing

I have already decided to share my information through a wiki. This allows me a great deal of flexibility. I do not have any format or media restrictions, and so I am free to share my information in as many format types as possible. And I do just that!

Citations

Callison, Daniel, and Leslie Preddy. “The Blue Book on Information Age Inquiry, Instruction, and Literacy.” Westport, CT; Libraries Unlimited, 2006.

Lamb, Annette. Inquiry: The 8Ws: Waving.

http://virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/waving.htm