The rooms of Kryzsko Commons were filled with conversations surrounding research and digital learning in English classrooms and the language’s impact on communities over the course of the Minnesota Writing and English (MNWE) conference hosted by Winona State University on March 27 – March 28. Everyone passionate about the subject, including high school teachers, English Professors, students and community members throughout the state, were invited to attend the event and join in the discussion about the changes happening in the fields of the English language, writing and research, especially regarding “Agency, Authenticity, and Digital Literacy,” which was the chosen theme for the conference.
The conference began in 2009 after the now General Coordinator of the conference, Richard Jewell, wanted to build a space for all state and community colleges and universities to come together to learn from and with each other. The conference emphasizes pedagogy and works to build a community, improving communication and expanding networking across the world of education. This has allowed participants to build on their own knowledge and skills to achieve equity and strong discussion and English skills in the classroom. “Ultimately, our biggest hope is that students learn how to write and research better, and secondarily, how to read better- not just literature, but anything at a college level.” Jewell said, “We hope to achieve that through our improvements in teaching.”
Potentially the largest shift and topic of discussion in the world of education and research, is Artificial Intelligence. Throughout the MNWE conference, students, researchers and educators shared their perspective on the emerging technology, their concerns as well as their questions. Educators shared techniques they have used in their classrooms to teach with AI as well as without the influence of AI. In working with AI, educators have allowed students to write with AI, then show how they compare their own writing to the generated piece and to see and understand the lack of voice and human emotion that Artificial Intelligence writes with. Opposingly, Professors have chosen to adjust their assignments to make sure that AI would not be helpful such as requiring more source citations which it struggles with or make prompts specifically connected to personal experiences to include that human aspect. As Jewell explained, “In the English world, we’re deeply concerned about figuring out how to use AI in a productive way, but still have students learn to develop their own voice.” One session discussed the line that separates technology from a tool or a threat to humanity, others discussed broader themes of digital literacy such as social media and reliable resources.
With recent political developments and the surge of ICE within Minnesota, strong feelings surrounding culture, identity and even safety to attend classes struck students on campuses near the cities, making the topic of how to create a safe space to unpack and validate these emotions a big point of discussion at the conference. Language is a major way that people express themselves, so it is important for educators to be able to facilitate constructive, open conversations surrounding hard and political topics. Dr. Jill Herbert Carlson from Marion University reflects on these discussions, stating that the conference is helpful to talk out practical ways to practice and apply concepts in assignments and activities.
A key value of those who attend the conference is bridging the gap between educators and students especially surrounding these contemporary issues. The conference welcomes student presenters, allowing all perspectives to be shared and acknowledged. Stone Xiong, Touger Vang, Audrey Sorenmann, and Renee Castro from Century College understood the theme of agency as them being able to have a say in their curriculum and education. 2nd year student, Xiong, said that for him, the gained perspective from attending the conversation is most valuable for him, being able to meet with students and professors from different backgrounds and ages allows him to have a broader understanding of these important topics. He stated, “Having other people around, you hear their perspective on their story and really gives us intel and allows us to kind of grow as a person as well.” The students presented on AI, student voice and routines, expression of self through visual communication as well as the benefits of studying abroad and non-traditional education paths. “It’s important as students, for us to understand the perspective of professors,” Sorenmann added. “It’s different from being in a classroom with a professor where they are leading the discussion. Here, you get to sit across the table from an educator and understand their thinking.”
Overall, the MNWE conference is a great opportunity that allows for ideas and perspectives to be exchanged between professors and students in hopes of building knowledge that allows for more engaged learning and research throughout English and education communities.
