Group Presentations

Technology and Textuality:
Converting "Literature" to the Digital Medium
Katherine D. Harris, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English & Comparative Literature
San Jose State University
Group Presentations
Review & Compare Hypertexts

The Group Presentation is intended to give you an idea of different types of hypertextual projects that are live on the Web. It will also give you a chance to look at the content selection, design elements and navigation tools used to complete a successful hypertextual archive and begin to formulate your own content and design criteria to be included in your Rationale Essay. The work in the group should be divided equally among its members; the actual presentation (and speaking) should also be divided equally. The following are the three topics:
Group 1: The William Blake Archive vs. UBU Web
Group 2: Hypertext & Mass Media vs. The Spectator
Group 3: The Rossetti Archive vs. The September 11 Digital Archive
Sources
In order to evaluate and review both hypertextual projects, you need to consider two elements: content and design. Assess the hypertext for several attributes:

• bibliographic details of original vs. digital representation
• hyperlinks & bookmarks linking information
• purpose of site
• its user-friendly-ness
• its design (background, layout, colors, Table of Contents, etc.)

Then, compare all of these elements between the two hypertexts to assess use, layout, purpose, etc. Look at who created and is responsible for each site. Are they "dead" sites that don't grow with more content or are they "alive" with content being added (whether from users or the webmaster)? Who is meant to use, see, interact with these sites? Is the design complementary to the content and purpose? (These are issues you will confront in the construction of your own hypertextual project!)

Each group member should include at least one article that we've discussed in class in her/his presentation. Use a theory, a quote, a model, etc. that has been put forth by one of the authors. Be prepared to explain both the article (only the portion that you use) and its relevance to your presentation. Several sources that we've discussed in class will be helpful in the review/evaluation process:

• Questions to Ask for Constructing a Hypertext
• Keywords
• "How to Separate Good Data from Bad" (New York Times article)
• "Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages"
• Any of the articles that we've discussed in class

Presenting
You and your group members will prepare a presentation to be given on a designated Thursday in the Computer Lab (Lab B, 1001 Hunter North). The group will have 15 minutes to present (1) a review/evaluation of each hypertext and (2) a comparison of the two hypertexts.
Each student needs to prepare a typed outline of his/her major points to refer to during the presentation. The outline should have a Works Cited attached to it with all sources referenced in the proper MLA style (including the online sources). (Failure to properly reference your sources in MLA style will reduce your grade.) To receive a grade, each student MUST turn in this typed outline and Works Cited at the end of the presentation. In addition, you should give me a digital copy of your presentation and your outlines for posting to our Blackboard site.

In the past students have used handouts, navigation maps, videos, CDs and even a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate and enhance their presentations (and their grades). (Remember, we'll already be in the computer lab, so you may use any online visuals that you wish.) Be creative with your presentation. Notify me at least 2 days before your presentation if you need any audio-visual equipment.
Grading:
I will assign two grades for this oral presentation: 1) individually, for each person's actual presentation, outline and Works Cited and 2) on whole, for group cooperation, presentation and participation. If one person does not turn in an outline, the entire group grade is penalized.

Audience Participation:
Students will be responsible for taking notes on the information given during the presentation and writing a one- paragraph critique; audience members' reviews will be collected and graded by me. In addition, each group will be required to ask one question of the presenters.

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