PRESEnter guidelines SJSU First-Year Writing Digital Literacy Showcase

What do you mean by "presentation"?

Although this page is called "Presenter Guidelines," we don't expect participants to produce a slide deck or give a public speech or perform anything. Instead, the SJSU First-Year Writing Digital Literacy Showcase takes the form of a “gallery walk.” Presenters sit with their projects, and attendees can go from table to table to ask questions and learn about the different things students are working on. So by "presenter," we mean someone who is knowledgable about their own project, the process it took to get it into the shape it's in, and any future goals for development or revision.

Who can present?

Every student currently enrolled in a First-Year Writing class (ENGL 1AF or 1AS, ENGL 1A, ENGL 1B, or ENGL 2) is eligible to apply. We generally don't have enough space for everyone who applies, but when we look at applications, we prioritize PROCESS over PRODUCT. In other words, we're looking for people who have interesting works-in-progress that they can talk about. Projects don't have to be polished - or even finished! - by the time of the event, and if your project is a group project, that's great, too. The whole group can present together. If you have a work-in-progress that you're excited about, you should apply!

Why should I present?

The Digital Literacy Showcase is a great resumé builder, and participants will receive digital literacy badges and certificates of participation from the First-Year Writing Program that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles and resumés. In previous Showcases, we've had people from Adobe, Braven, other Silicon Valley companies, and even the US Congress show up to see the great work students have produced. Presenters also get to keep their posters, and we often offer other incentives for presenting, ranging from Gold Points to Adobe swag.

How do I apply?

We put out a new application for every Showcase. You should get information from your instructor or the First-Year Writing Program about applying, as well as through emails from the First-Year Writing Program. If you need help or have questions, please contact your instructor or the Director of First-Year Writing, Ryan Skinnell (ryan.skinnell@sjsu.edu)

What would I do during the event?

• Be available to talk about your project throughout the event
• Be prepared to answer questions about your writing, your project choices, your goals, and the writing class you're taking
• Learn about other students' projects
• Optional: have a good time?

Who should attend the Showcase?

If you've been selected as a presenter, we hope you'll invite friends, family, classmates, roommates, and anyone else who might be interested. We'll invite some people, too. We hope you'll come prepared to talk to people and have a little fun. We'll provide refreshments!