We have students select at random pre-defined topics, approaches, metaphors, project purpose, and audiences for their project. In the case of this assignment, the students must use what they select. This is not optional. The selection process consists of putting small pieces of paper with a variety of these attributes in several hats and having students put their hands in the hats and pull out selections. We, as instructors, have no idea what combinations the students will end up with. A set of selections could be a topic of, "How to learn to like broccoli". The audience could be, "70 to 90 year old grandmothers." The metaphor could be, "a couch or a scroll." The approach could be, "cynical" and the purpose could be, "education" or may be, "entertainment".
A few minutes after realizing what the students have gotten themselves into, the questions from students start to flow ranging from what is a metaphor and how to use it to how could they ever combine these different attributes into a project. The answer to is to think hard about them and yes, still be creative. After the questioning period, we remind them again of what they will be graded on, namely attention to responding convincingly to these attributes particularly the audience. The intended audience must really know that this project is meant for them and not just on the first page.
Now even among professional content creators, writing to a specific audience can prove to be very, very hard. This, however, is the major grading rubric of this assignment. Students can ignore this which a few still do by saying they are making something for a specific audience, but then going on to provide media selections and navigation clearly that appeals to them and their friends but which would never appeal to a Grandmother as an example.
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