OWLs in Flight: Soaring to Success with Online Writing

Session Description:

Online Writing Labs (OWLs) offer individualized assistance to student writers through Internet-based technologies. Online tutoring arises and differs from tradition face-to-face writing support. Both value helping the student become a better writer, rather than "fixing" a paper. However, online tutoring loses the intimate, conversational exchange of the writing centre. OWL proponents have claimed that students benefit from the written medium: the delay allows reflection; students can refer to written notes from a tutor, metacognition is developed as students use writing to discuss writing. Critics contend that beginning writers need a physical presence for connection because their written language may not be developed and that online tutoring takes exorbitant time.

The panel will discuss these issues, compare synchronous and asynchronous approaches, as well as look at tutor training and faculty outreach.

Panel Presenters:
Alexis Braun, Brandon University
Melissa Spore, University of Saskatchewan
Miriam Unruh, The University of Manitoba


Alexis Braun, Brandon University

Alex is currently employed in the Writing Centre at Brandon University where she provides writing skills instruction and support to on-campus students. In the fall of 2002, Alex helped develop the Writing Online program offered by Brandon University for Campus Manitoba students, and she has been coordinating these services since the summer of 2003, providing similar instruction and support to distance students.

Melissa Spore, University of Saskatchewan

Melissa Spore is an instructional designer and founder of the Online Writing Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. With an MA from Columbia University, Melissa has focused on communication issues throughout her career. Her
publications include the chapter, "Writing and Computers" in Learning Through Writing (Dalhousie University Press, 2001), Wired Writing (Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan, 2001), and (with Sally Bigwood) Presenting
Numbers, Tables, and Charts (Oxford University Press, 2003).

Miriam Unruh, The University of Manitoba

As the Coordinator of the Learning Assistance Centre at the University of Manitoba, Miriam looks for ways that information and knowledge can be shared in a virtual environment. Her interest in how computers can aid and expand learning started in the late 80’s with gopher, was expanded by NSCA Mosaic, and has continued unabated since then. At the moment she is fascinated with the possible educational application of blogs, podcasts, folksonomy and, of course, virtual tutoring.