| |
Kairos:
A Journal for Teachers of Writing in Webbed Environments
http://english.ttu.edu/kairos
Texas Tech University, Department of English
Greg Siering, Editor
Kairos, a professionally packaged and established digital journal,
aims to examine the pedagogical advantages and disadvantages of using
hypertext and other web technologies to teach writing. 6 back issues
are archived here, along with the current issue (which at the time of
review was dated Fall 1998). The Features section of the journal provides
abstracts and links to hypertext scholarship, with such titles as "Not
a Cosmic Convergence: Rhetoric, Poetics, Performance and the Web"
and "Models of Distance Education for Composition: The Role of
Video Conferencing." Readers will find a grab bag of information
in the News section, including information about upcoming conferences,
presentations from recent conferences, personal research, and new listservs
and forums. The journal also reviews books relating to teaching writing
in computer supported classrooms. In addition, Kairos provides an interactive
forum where readers discuss and debate various focus topics with other
teachers and scholars. Overall, there is a wealth of vital information
here (so much that at times it can be overwhelming), and with the emphasis
on hypertext, one can easily wander far from the journal itself (so
be sure to set some bookmarks before beginning your journey).
Computers in Composition and Literature
http://ccl.english.ohio-state.edu
Ohio State University, Department of English
The majority of the information found on this site pertains only to
Ohio State University faculty. However, there are some valuable teaching
resources that make it worthwhile for others to check out. The Teaching
section presents 15 class activities and essay assignments to be used
in the computer-supported classroom. These include word processing exercises
(i.e., "Peerless Paper Response" and "Collaborative In-Class
Writing"), computer mediated communication activities (i.e., "Listserv
Reading Responses"), and World Wide Web assignments (i.e., "Analyzing
Professional Sites" and "Writing Hypertext with Word").
Moreover, the site provides access to 20 syllabi (19 undergraduate,
1 graduate) for English classes that utilize computers and online technologies.
The classes include Introduction to Poetry, Business Communications,
Electronic Literacy, and others.
Computers and Composition: An International Journal for Teachers
of Writing
http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~ccjrnl
University of Texas, Gail E. Hawisher and Cynthia L. Selfe, Editors
This site is the online headquarters for the print journal of the same
name. Although only the contents and abstracts for the print version
can be accessed here (you'll have to buy a subscription if you want
more), the site does have some valuable information to offer. The Online
Features section usually directs readers to one or two items of hypertext
scholarship, such as "The Application and Impact of the PC-Based
Software in Evaluating EFL Business Writing Error Types: A Java Based
Interactive Paper" (available at the time of review). In addition,
users can find much to read and discuss on the message boards addressing
research, pedagogy, and technology, and the links section provides 8
links to online journals and 6 links to associations related to teaching
writing and/or computers.
The Computer Supported Writing Program at Florida State University
http://english.fsu.edu/cwc
Florida State University, English Department
This departmental site posts a complete sample syllabus for a computer-supported,
public discourse writing class. This two unit, first-year writing course
challenges students to examine the ways "in which public uses of
language affect individuals." The section Daedalus Teaching Tips
suggests icebreaker exercises and technical information for teachers
using the Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment (DIWE) software. Also
of interest are 20 links to online organizations, hypertexts, and network
resources relating to computer supported teaching.
RhetNet: A CyberJournal for Rhetoric and Writing
http://web.missouri.edu/~rhetnet
University of Missouri
Eric Crump, Editor
One of the main purposes of RhetNet is to act as an archive for online
conversations relating to rhetoric and writing. Inevitably, the majority
of these conversations delve into the concerns of using technology to
teach writing. Both archived and ongoing dialogues are available here.
The journal also publishes original articles and essays, and houses
2 online books: Conversations: Computer Mediated Dialogue, Multilogue
& Learning by Beth Baldwin and The Rhetorical Dimensions of Cyberspace
by Beth Baldwin and Tim Flood. The InterVersity section looks promising
as well; it provides two message forums that discuss ideas and projects
relating to "the convergence of education and the Net and the radical
reconfiguration of both." RhetNet contains a plethora of information
to consider; however, the journal does appears to be updated only on
a sporadic, rather than regular, basis.
The Internet Classroom
http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/webclass.html#student
Glendale Community College, English Department
This community college English department site contains a focused collection
of links valuable for those just beginning to construct a web-based
classroom. There are 13 links to sites that provide tips, tricks, tools,
and advice for instructors tackling web resources. These links include
software reviews, MOO and MUD resources, and other various information
from experienced educators. The site also has 14 links to online syllabi
and syllabi databases. Simple, but helpful.
The Faculty Connection
http://www.facultyconnection.org
Creative Analytics, Inc.
Although this site does not specifically address writing, it does tackle
many of the technical, theoretical, and pedagogical issues pertinent
to teachers that use computers in the writing classroom. The site houses
36 articles, such as "An Assessment of Training Needs in the Use
of Distance Education," "Creating Online Communities,"
and "How Using Technology Changes What Faculty Do." The links
database is ample; there are 49 links to online classes offered worldwide,
30 links to private and public institutions that offer online classes,
55 links to various educational organizations, and 29 links to academic
journals. A faculty discussion forum rounds out the main features of
this user-friendly and well maintained online teaching resource.
The World Lecture Hall
http://www.utexas.edu/world/lecture
The University of Texas at Austin, Academic Computing and Instructional
Technology Services
The English, Writing, and Rhetoric section of this site contains hundreds
of links to pages created by faculty worldwide who are using the Web
to deliver class materials. The linked sites, which include brief annotations,
provide a wide range of material, such as class overviews, assignments,
and complete interactive syllabi. Writing classes featured include Advanced
Composition, Business Writing, Creative Writing, Freshman Composition,
and Hypertext Composition, just to name a few. A searchable index appears
to be the only element missing from this extensive and indispensable
collection of links.
The Epiphany Project: Strategies & Structures for Pedagogical Change
in the Age of the Electronic Text
http://mason.gmu.edu/~ephiphany
Epiphany Institutes for Educators and Technology,
Trent Batson & Judy Williamson, Project Directors
This sleek site is the culmination of an ongoing, two-year project that
aims to "provide[e] a full spectrum of materials and guidance.
. .[to] help faculty integrate computers into writing curricula."
Six sections make up the site--The Orientation Center, The Learning
Environment, Pedagogy & Theory, Faculty Development, Courses & Curricula,
and Community & Collaboration--and each section provides users with
the opportunity to share their own experiences and resources. The Learning
Environment houses a glossary for teachers and students in the computer-assisted
classroom, as well as reviews of web-based , writing environments software
and information on MUDs (Multi-user Domains) and MOOs (Multi-user domain,
Object Oriented). The Courses & Curricula section makes available extensive
narratives about others' experiences teaching in networked environments.
The Community & Collaboration site provides information on subscribing
to Ephiphany's listserv, as well as articles and presentations on collaborative
writing using computers and the Internet. In addition, the site recently
added A Field Guide to 21st Century Writing. The guide includes 11 articles,
such as "Writing About Poetry with Computer Conferencing"
and "Teach Us How to Play: The Role of Play in Technology Education,"
and various other resources. Eventually the guide will include Workbook
Pages and Workshop Models. This ambitious site is an important and useful
resource for teachers using, or beginning to use, computers in their
writing classroom.
Writing in Virtual Space
http://www.hf.ntnu.no/anv/Finnbo/Finn_ToC.html
Finn Bostad,
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Part of a faculty member's site, these pages present a paper titled
"Writing in Virtual Space" that attempts to answer the question
"What happens to writing when texts in a world on paper" are
replaced by messages in "virtual space?" The aspects of new
electronic writing are explored, the concept of text and the function
of writing are examined, and the consequences for communication in general
are argued. Well-written and intriguing.
Alliance for Computers and Writing
http://english.ttu.edu/acw
Fred Kemp, Executive Director
This site acts as the web base for The Alliance for Computers and Writing
(ACW), "a national, non-profit organization committed to supporting
teachers at all levels of instruction in their intelligent, theory-based
use of computers in writing instruction." Members ( $5 yearly for
undergraduate and graduate students and adjunct faculty, and $10 yearly
for tenure-line faculty, public teachers, and business participants)
receive a monthly digital newsletter, an email and web page directory
of members, regular surveys of what equipment and pedagogy members are
utilizing, and job announcements. Those who would rather peruse the
site as guests will also find helpful information. For instance, ACW/WEB
provides an extensive and ever-expanding links section (nearly 300 at
the time of review) to information on conferences, distance learning,
computer-based writing programs, essays and articles, professional issues,
etc. Guests can also access letters to the editor and a section of informal
book reviews provided by members. Although aesthetically this site lacks
pizzazz, it makes up for it in its commitment to be the "national
clearing house of ideas and information for teachers wishing to better
employ computers in their instruction."
Composition in Cyberspace
http://www.du.org/cybercomp.html
Leslie D. Harris, Project Director
This site provides a wealth of information on MOOs, such as guides to
basic and advanced commands and 14 links to sites with additional information
on setting up and manipulating the multi-user environment. Composition
in Cyberspace also boasts a Composition Course Database featuring writing
courses worldwide that integrate the Internet, in one form or another,
into their course design. Users can browse the database by instructor
name, university, course type, course time, and begin/end dates.
The Web of Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN)
http://www.aln.org/index.htm
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Asynchronous Learning Networks, as this site defines them, are "people
networks" that use computer and communications technologies to
work with remote learning resources (instructors, students, databases,
etc.), but without the requirement to be online at the same time. For
those interested in ALN, this site is a gem. Two digital magazines are
archived here, Journal of Asynchronous Learning (5 issues) and Asynchronous
Learning Networks Magazine (4 issues). Both of these publications brim
with articles on ALN pedagogy and theory, such as "Beyond Models:
Developing a University Strategy for Online Instruction" and "Gender
Differences in Asynchronous Learning in Higher Education: Learning Styles,
Participation Barriers, and Communication Patterns." The site has
an online forum where educators can discuss ALN issues. One will also
find information on ALN conferences, onsite workshops, information about
products that are useful in the practice of ALN, a bookstore in association
with Amazon.com, and links to other sites devoted to ALN. This professionally
designed site strives to be an asset to all those interested in distance
education.
Computers & Creative Writing http://jupiter.phy.ohiou.edu/~rouzie/569A/compcreative/Index_html.htm
Thom Conroy & Eric Schwerer, Editors
This website is a good resource for both creative writers and for those
attempting to integrate computers into their creative writing classroom.
The site catalogs over 50 links to resources for creative writers, such
as journals, text archives, organizations, and reference materials.
The MOO section presents a short essay that highlights the main points
of the online writing environment and provides 4 links to MOO tutorials.
The site is also a fine reference on listservs and newsgroups. The editors
give a detailed overview of listservs, and an essay suggests possible
uses for listservs in teaching creative writing. In addition, there
are 38 links to sites with information on fiction and poetry writing
listservs and newsgroups. 16 links to on hypertext fiction, software,
and forums round out the site's repertoire.
Voice of the Shuttle: Technology of Writing Page
http://vos.ucsb.edu/
University of California-Santa Barbara,
Alan Liu
This massive gateway (over 450 links) proves to be indispensable for
anyone interested in the various ways technology intersects with education
and writing. The General Resources on New Media and General Theoretical
Works on New Media & Technology of Writing sections boast over 130 links
to sites that focus on topics from general cyberculture terminology
to the fate of rhetoric in the electronic age. Likewise, over 100 sites
address hypertext and hypermedia and the 20th century fusion of language
arts and digital technology. Those who are more technically inclined
can explore the 31 interface theory links, the 13 Virtual Reality Mark
Up Language (VRML) links, the 4 Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) links,
or the 8 Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) links. Those interested
in pedagogy will find 9 links to sites presenting research and theory
on virtual communities, MOOs, & MUDs, 13 links to sites on computers
and composition, and 29 links to syllabi of technologically enhanced
classes. Still not satisfied? Check out how technology is changing the
face of the publishing industry (18 links) or consider the history of
language technology (print and other language technologies as reseen
from the vantage point of the computer age; 90 links).
Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine
http://www.december.com/cmc/mag
December Communications, Inc.
Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine, which ran issues from May
1994 to January 1999, reported about people, events, technology, public
policy, culture, practices, study, and applications related to human
communication and interaction in online environments. 57 issues of this
insightful and well-edited digital publication remain online. Of particular
interest to educators is the June 1994 issue, "The Electronic Schoolhouse:
Thinking about Computer Technology in Education." The special features
section of this issue presents essays that examine such topics as how
to construct a plan for integrating computers into the classroom, and
how the computer has transformed the face of moral, cultural, and functional
literacy, and. This issue, as well as the others, includes book reviews,
links, and commentary.
The HyperTextBooks
http://www.cod.edu/dept/kiesdan
College of DuPage,
Daniel Kies
The New Century Handbook cites this College of DuPage faculty member
site as "one of the best composition courses on the Web."
Mr. Kies notes that the core of the website stems from twenty years
of handouts, exercises, notes, conference papers, and publications.
There are 4 writing classes and 1 grammar class that can be accessed,
all of which contain complete online syllabi and assignments. This site
is beautifully designed and graphic intensive; thus, although it's easy
on the eyes, it can, at times, be a slow download. Kies says, "Unlike
some who argue that hypertext may destroy literacy, I am inclined to
see hypertext as an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, move toward
literacy." Well said.
The Labyrinth-Forum
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/labyforum/index.html
Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction/Maricopa Community Colleges
Two simultaneously published online journals are housed on this site,
The Labyrinth (Sharing Information on Learning Technologies) and The
Forum (Sharing Information on Teaching and Learning). Full versions
of both are available online or in Acrobat format, fully formatted for
printing. The site archives 17 issues, including the current issue,
are accessible here. Each issue has a theme (i.e., "Cultural Diversity:
The Changing Face of Students"), and a series of hypertext articles
address each topic from various angles. The site also provides a discussion
forum so readers can have a chance to put their own two cents in. A
new magazine on assessment has also been added recently.
Monitoring Order: Visual Desire, the Organization of Web Pages, and
Teaching
the Rules of Design
http://www.hu.mtu.edu/~awysocki/mOrder/mOrder0.html
Anne Frances Wysocki, Michigan Technological University
This hypertext paper, presented at the Fourteenth Conference of Computers
and Writing, won the IBM Computers and Writing Award for Excellence
in Graduate Research. The paper argues that in order to write for the
web one must be conscious of how we enlarge what we mean by "composition."Not
only is the action transformed by color and image and sound and animation,
but also by the differences in white space and margins. Wysocki states
in her thesis, "In this writing I consider how those of us whose
lives have been concerned with the composition of words, and words alone,
might set about helping people in our classes think critically about
composing with words and images and how that compositional ordering
affects our senses of ourselves and each other." The design here
is sleek, while the thought is innovative and fresh.
Journal Online
http://www.thejournal.com/
Dr. Sylvia Charp, Editor-in-Chief
This site is the online home of the largest and oldest technology publication
in the country, Technical Horizons in Education (T.H.E.). The site houses
60 back issues that can be browsed or key word searched. The intelligent
articles published here come from top scholars and educators. In addition,
the journal provides supplemental material, such as information on presentation
products, links, software assessment, conference information, and much
more. In short, this is a an established, smart, and resourceful online
publication.
|