Creating a Literary Magazine: A Feasibility Study
Datha Curtis EDIT 7650 Fitzgerald April 21, 2009 *This Applied Project was reviewed under the Instructor Exemption for Class Projects, EDIT 7650 (Applied Project in Instructional Technology), under the direction of Dr. Mary Ann Fitzgerald.
Introduction My study is about creating a literary magazine for a school with specific resources that are currently available and/or unavailable, the feasibility of creating such a magazine at this time, and what part technology will play in the creation of such a magazine.
For clarification, my definition of a literary magazine based on my literature review is as follows
A literary magazine · Is run by students · Usually consists of short stories, poetry, and artwork · Should allow submissions by anyone to be published · Can be published in either a paper or in an online format
The contents of this applied project are as follows
· Review of the Literature · Design · Results · Discussion and Conclusion · References
Background
I became interested in the topic of literary magazines after a conversation with a colleague in which we were discussing the limited opportunities students interested in creative writing had at our school. I decided to investigate the feasibility of creating a literary magazine in hopes that my findings might eventually lead to greater opportunities for students at my school through the creation of a literary magazine.
Research Question
What is the feasibility of creating a literary magazine at an economically disadvantaged rural Georgia high school?
Sub-Questions:
1. What is the interest in creating a literary magazine at my school among both faculty and students? 2. What kind of funding is available for a literary magazine? 3. How can a literary magazine contribute to academic achievement in the school? 4. What will the role of technology be in the creation of a literary magazine? 5. How can a literary magazine promote teacher collaboration? 6. How do literary magazines contribute to the sense of community at the school? 7. How can a literary magazine support the curriculum? What GPS standards does it promote? 8. How does a literary magazine offer students opportunities to express themselves artistically? Why is it important for students to have such opportunities?
Importance of the Study (Justification)
I believe this is a problem worthy of research so that I may determine · the feasibility of creating a literary magazine in my school · the interest in creating a literary magazine at my school · how technology could play a part, major or minor, in the creation of a literary magazine
Additionally, creating a literary magazine is valuable because it has the potential to: · offer students opportunities to express themselves artistically · emphasize writing and literacy skills · support the curriculum · promote teacher collaboration · contribute to a sense of community at the school · contribute to academic achievement
Context of Study My problem is situated in my school, but not specifically in any one location within the school, as it is an extracurricular activity involving many students and possible locations within the school. Here are some facts about this school
· High School including Grades 9-12 · School situated in a rural location (though the county it is located in is considered a suburb of Atlanta) · Approximately 51% of students are eligible for free lunch · Student Population - Approximately 1641 Students · Race/Ethnicity – 47% White,; 47% Black; 3% Hispanic; 1% Asian; 1% Multiracial · Special Education Enrollment – 13.4% of Student Population · Gifted Enrollment – 7.8% of Student Population · Did not meet AYP for 2007-08 · Available Technology in School –· TVs, DVDs and VCRs, closed-circuit television, computers, cable television, digital cameras, digital camcorders, Mimios. Smartboards, LCD projectors, wireless laptop cart, overhead projectors, special programs such as E-learn, Student Track, IGPro, Class XP, Sharepoint, Inspiration, Keytrain, 1 computer lab for general use, 26 computers for general use in media center |