Chapter 10: Changing the World, One Zip Code at a Time

This chapter illustrates how a writing assignment based on the National Geographic Zip USA articles addresses the issues of visual and written rhetoric, a global audience, web-based research, citation in the digital age, and also allows students to express their personal interests and creativity—thus enhancing their learning experience. To emphasize the differences between written and visual communication, the main assignment is submitted in two formats: a traditional essay with a bibliography (or works cited), and a magazine article based on National Geographic, which is known for its high-quality photography and artistic layout and design. The chapter details the scaffolding needed to create a successful learning environment for students and offers suggestions for incorporating technology into the assignment. It also provides different models for how the assignment may be developed depending on the length of time available, from a single assignment to a series of assignments.