When I compare my writing in an analog space to a digital space, I notice many interesting differences. Having to shift from an analog writing space to a digital writing space changed my writing process. Since I was young I have used pencil and paper to write instead of a computer. In school, it was common for me to write my assignments by hand, and so I grew up being comfortable with that form of writing. When I switched to a digital writing space I had difficulty adjusting to a new method of writing. Before I had just picked up a pencil and began my writing, but with digital writing I had to learn how to use a new writing tool. My writing process was slow, as I had to search for each letter to type my message, and I struggled with understanding why the word processor was underlining my words in red and blue. Writing with a pencil and paper, I was never as concerned with grammar and spelling, but writing digitally changed that into a part of my process. Using a pencil and paper, I mapped out my ideas first, which allowed me to organize the structure of my writing. In the digital writing space, I organized my writing differently according to the MLA or APA requirements and mapped out my ideas in a list that included notes on the topic being written about. Although I have been writing longer on paper, I have adjusted my writing process over the years where I am no longer uncomfortable using digital tools to write.
Even though there are many differences between analog and digital writing, there are also many affordances and constraints that attribute to my writing process. In digital writing, I use the screen as my visual space and the keyboard as an affordance that allows me to type faster than writing by hand. Despite my increased writing speed, a constant distraction exists while using a digital space to write. This constraint in creativity can slow my writing thought process and contribute to writer’s block. While I am able to better relay my ideas through an analog method, the digital writing space allows me to express myself more visually. For instance, creating this blog I was able to choose a design and layout that fit my writing style. This affordance brings greater intrigue to my writing and grabs the reader’s attention more than a plain piece of paper. On my blog I also incorporate pictures, videos, and GIFs to further interact and connect with my viewers. Adding these affordances inspires my creativity in the digital space more than in the analog space but there is still a constraint involved. Learning to use the website and creating my own blog was a constraint since I had never accomplished it. It took me a while to figure out how to design my blog and what affordances I could use to make my blog more interesting to readers. In analog writing I was less worried about the readers and I believe the digital affordances of design I have used on my blog have changed the way my message reaches viewers. I have the ability to share a link to my blog with others, while the constraint of analog writing only allowed me to hand it to another person to read. I can also include a link to my resources at the bottom of the blog post, allowing for my readers to check my sources and further educate themselves on the subject. Examining these digital tools, I’ve realized my writing has improved due to my increased usage and knowledge of these tools. Since analog writing doesn’t include these helpful tools, I struggle to get my thoughts across in the same manner. The switch from analog to digital was a difficult switch, but it was one that I needed to make in order to strengthen my writing process over time.
