Writing for Digital Media

Reviewed by Thomas Kneeland, Assistant Professor of English (Tenure-Track), Anderson University on 8/29/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Dr. Miller is clearly the expert in this realm of writing and literary studies. As a new faculty member, I feel confident teaching this text to my students, because it is, in fact, thorough.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Dr. Miller approaches the topic of Digital Media in a way that is accurate and unbiased and takes a "both/and" approach to the rhetorical theories that make up our decision-making processes when it comes to functioning as consumers and practitioners of digital media in the current state of our society and economy.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

I believe that this book will be relevant for quite a while, not just because of when it was published, but also because of where we are as a people. We have become, in many ways, desensitized by digital media. But this book provides the reasons for our reactions to the digital landscape AND gives us a headstart on how we can begin to reverse the toxic effects of digital media as well as perpetuate the things that are working well. I do believe that another edition would be effective in the next couple of years to account for the rise of AI, its affordances and its hindrances.

Clarity rating: 5

I am a proponent of clarity and will not full engage with anything that does not provide a clear view of what I'm expected to learn or ingest. Dr. Miller's language and terminology is palatable and digestible. While reading her book, I did not feel alienated from the content. I knew exactly where I was and leaned in fully. From the student perspective, we've begun having thorough discussions because of how clear the book is, and my students are exciting to have conversations about writing, digital media, and our humanistic connections to it.

Consistency rating: 5

I'd say the book is consistent, because each subsequent section builds from the previous. Because of this, we see the recycling of terms to keep us on track with what's happening across the text.

Modularity rating: 5

I appreciated that Dr. Milller divided the book into Critical Literacy, Rhetorical Literacy, and Functional Literacy as a way for readers to understand how digital media operates within the writing discipline and society at the macro level. From those sections, the text was well-broken down into digestible chapters. In this way, the book can be spread out over the course of a semester without burning out the students with information overload.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book as a whole is well-organized and, thus, allows us to cover information by concept, rather than by a non-linear flow of logic.

Interface rating: 5

The interface is flawless. The Table of Contents is the second best thing about this book.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Grammar is not an issue in this book.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Because this book is about the impact of digital media, I believe that it accomplished the goal of looking at the ways in which the digital landscape impacts us all, and taps into a level of humanity that most books of this caliber do not.

Reviewed by Jamie McDaniel, Professor, School of Writing, Literature, and Language, Radford University on 8/18/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

“Writing for Digital Media” offers a broad, comprehensive introduction to the major aspects that contribute to being a digitally literate person. The text explores the dynamics of networked environments and digital spaces by examining their social, cultural, political, legal, ethical, functional, and rhetorical dimensions. While maintaining a mostly positive outlook, the text also highlights common problems association with digital communication, such as access, privilege, cyberbullying, isolation, and uncivil discourse—topics that are often absent from similar texts. This text will benefit students in courses such as professional writing, marketing, and strategic communication.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Appropriate evidence, research, and valid reasoning support the text’s claims, and its ideas are elaborated with explanation, demonstration, and/or illustration suited to its audience and purpose. Links in the electronic text take readers to source material. The text does not include errors of fact or unsupported generalizations.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is relevant and fresh. Although readers might use various software applications and hardware, the text is not one devoted to learning the ins and outs of particular hardware/software. The web offers a wide range of excellent tutorials to obtain that type of information. Instead, it focuses on the theories behind the best practices of writing for digital media, including developing competencies in tackling new technology. The ability to adapt to new technologies is more important than mastering specific software features that may not exist in the future in our ever-evolving technological world. This aspect of the text ensures its relevance and allows for easy updates.

Clarity rating: 5

The text’s sentences are clear, effective, and coherent. Its vocabulary is broad without being opaque or overly complex, and word choice shows attention to the audience, purpose, and context for the topic of writing in digital spaces. Word choice, sentence structure, and tone make the text appropriate for use in a wide range of academic/professional settings.

Consistency rating: 5

The text’s inclusion of learning objectives at the beginnings of each chapter helps readers consistently understand the purpose behind a chapter’s content. While the text offers information on skills applicable to real-world situations, that information is always supported by theory, research, and best practices. The text’s formatting also consistently follows the principles of document design, which is not always the case with open educational resources.

Modularity rating: 5

Instructors can effortlessly use as much of the textbook as they think works for their classes. Although the critical, rhetorical, and functional organization of the textbook makes perfect sense, the ability to reconfigure the chapters in other ways highlights its flexibility. Finally, the text contains equitable amounts of theoretical and practical information—another useful way to subdivide the text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The sequence of ideas, both within and across chapters, effectively supports development of the textbook’s critical, rhetorical, and functional framework to understanding and practicing digital literacies. Paragraphing shows how ideas are related, and paragraph breaks clearly signal shifts in focus. Both within and between sections and paragraphs, ideas are presented in a logical sequence. The text makes effective use of sentence structures that indicate and support the organization of ideas.

Interface rating: 5

The text contains no interface issues and is available in online, e-book, hardcopy, and PDF formats, which offers flexibility to students and teachers. Navigating each of these versions is easy and clear.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is well written on the sentence level and contains no grammatical errors. The overall effect is polished and professional.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text does not contain any offensive material and provides a wide range of diverse, inclusive examples in each chapter. Likewise, I am impressed by how the text addresses disability culture, not only in the chapter “Accessibility and Inclusion” but also throughout the book’s other sections. Many texts on digital literacies neglect to address or only pay lip service to accessibility for this audience.

Reviewed by Kelly Boylan, Adjunct Instructor, Northern Essex Community College on 6/14/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

'Writing for Digital Media' is not just a theoretical exploration of digital literacy. It offers practical insights and methods for engaging with the digital space. By aligning its content with the core objectives of the International Society for Technology in Education, the book provides a roadmap for developing diverse skills necessary for navigating the digital world. This practical approach, combined with its comprehensive coverage, makes it an essential guide for anyone looking to enhance their digital proficiency.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This book is exceptionally accurate in its content, making it highly relevant to today's digital landscape. It clearly articulates digital literacy goals, providing readers with a solid framework for understanding key concepts. Alongside theoretical insights, the book offers practical applications, helping readers apply what they learn to real-world situations. This blend of clarity and practicality enhances readers' comprehension, making complex ideas more accessible and actionable. Importantly, the book is not just a resource but vital for anyone seeking to navigate and excel in the digital age.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book's relevance is evident in its discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's the critical role of digital media that truly stands out. It's not just a topic of discussion, but a crucial aspect that readers need to understand to navigate complex digital environments effectively. The linear consistency in the content of each chapter, a clear continuation of the previous chapters, creates a cohesive feeling, ensuring the reader's understanding and retention of the information.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is clear, concise, and informative. Although it contains complex concepts, it is presented in a way that is accessible and understandable to diverse readers. Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter provide a clear understanding of the content.

Consistency rating: 5

The text maintains coherence without any evident contradictions within or between chapters.

Modularity rating: 5

The book's modular design supports flexible learning, accommodating various learning styles and preferences. This structure allows readers to engage with the material in a way that suits their needs, whether they prefer a linear progression or a more selective approach. Each chapter builds on the previous one, ensuring that the information is presented in a logical sequence. This creates a clear and comprehensive framework for understanding the evolution of digital media and its profound impact on society. The result is an accessible and thorough exploration of digital media's transformative role, ensuring that no reader is left behind.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text's organization is commendable, making it user-friendly and accessible. Individual chapters are concise and easy to navigate, which helps prevent readers from feeling overwhelmed or confused. The clear structure not only allows for a smooth flow of information, but also instills a sense of confidence in readers, making it easier for them to absorb and retain key concepts. This thoughtful design enhances the reading experience, ensuring readers can efficiently understand and engage with the material.

Interface rating: 5

The book is available in multiple formats, empowering readers to choose what suits their lifestyle and reading habits best. The online version offers easy navigation, the PDF format provides a convenient offline option, and a printed version is available for those who enjoy a traditional reading experience.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text's grammatical consistency ensures a smooth and enjoyable reading experience, free from distractions caused by errors. Its well-organized and easy-to-use structure is a key factor in facilitating easy navigation, empowering readers to find information quickly and efficiently. This thoughtful design enhances comprehension, making complex concepts more accessible. Clear grammar, user-friendly layout, and logical organization contribute to a highly effective and engaging text. These features work together to support an effortless and productive reading experience.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book maintains a culturally neutral stance, ensuring relevance across diverse cultural settings. This approach allows readers from various backgrounds to engage with the content without feeling alienated or misunderstood. No culturally insensitive or offensive content was encountered throughout the text, highlighting the author's careful consideration and respect for all audiences. This inclusivity enhances the book's accessibility and appeal, reaffirming its value as a resource that informs and enlightens a global readership. The book fosters a more inclusive and respectful learning environment by remaining culturally sensitive.

Comments

"Writing for Digital Media" offers a broad introduction to digital literacy, emphasizing its crucial role today. This valuable resource, tailored to your current needs, provides clear guidance through the intricacies of the digital age. It delves into various aspects of digital communication, helping readers understand and navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By addressing theoretical and practical elements, the book equips its audience with the necessary skills to thrive in a digitally connected world. Overall, it stands out as an essential tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of digital media.

Reviewed by Maria Kalyvaki, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Minnesota State University Mankato on 4/16/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

"Writing for Digital Media" presents a compelling exploration of digital literacy in an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives. The book adeptly defines digital literacy as the ability to engage with digital spaces in meaningful, productive, and ethical ways, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the 'how' and 'why' behind digital interactions. Through a comprehensive examination of the International Society for Technology in Education's core objectives, the text underscores the multifaceted nature of digital literacy, from empowering learners to fostering global collaboration.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book maintains content accuracy by grounding its insights in contemporary standards and real-world examples, ensuring relevance to today's digital landscape. It consistently articulates the goals of digital literacy while providing clear explanations and practical applications, enhancing clarity and understanding for readers.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The relevance of the book's content is particularly evident in its discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the pivotal role of digital media in maintaining connectivity and normalcy. By addressing the ethical implications of digital interactions and emphasizing critical thinking skills, the text equips readers with the tools to navigate complex digital environments effectively. Furthermore, the book's modular structure allows for flexible engagement with its content, catering to diverse learning styles and preferences. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive framework for understanding the evolution of digital media and its impact on society.

Clarity rating: 5

In terms of clarity, the book excels in its concise yet informative writing style, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The integration of learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter provides clear guidance, while the inclusion of historical context adds depth to the discussion.

Consistency rating: 5

The text maintains a consistent level of coherence, without any evident contradictions within or between its chapters.

Modularity rating: 5

The book's modular structure allows for flexible engagement with its content, catering to diverse learning styles and preferences. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive framework for understanding the evolution of digital media and its impact on society.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I greatly appreciated the organization of the text. The individual chapters are concise, making it easy to navigate through them without feeling disoriented.

Interface rating: 5

The book is available in multiple formats. The online version offers easy navigation, while the PDF format allows readers to access the book offline. Additionally, there is the printed version available with a small cost through Amazon.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The grammatical consistency throughout the text ensures a smooth reading experience, while the intuitive interface and organization facilitate easy navigation and comprehension.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book maintains a predominantly culturally neutral stance and should hold relevance in various cultural settings. Throughout my reading, I did not encounter any content that I would deem culturally insensitive or offensive.

Comments

"Writing for Digital Media" offers a comprehensive and illuminating exploration of digital literacy, emphasizing its significance in contemporary society. It serves as a valuable resource for students, educators, and professionals, guiding them through the complexities of the digital age with purpose and critical insight.