Spring Break
The Daily OrangeDuke attempts online writing program that failed at SU
By Kerri Rosen
Posted: 2/20/07, 9:36 PM EST Section: News
In the midst of multiple assignments and dressed in pajamas, students at Duke University are comforted to know that they can meet with writing consultants right from their dorm room.
"E-Tutor" was initiated just 12 days ago at Duke University's writing studio. The online program allows students to submit drafts to tutors electronically from on or off campus. An audio and a written response are returned to the student.
"Online submission will attract students that might be uncomfortable, unable to attend, or abroad … non-native speakers might benefit from the written component," said Vicki Russell, Duke's writing studio director. E-Tutor may also be useful to students whose schedules do not allow for an hour appointment with a tutor.
While students may question why Syracuse University's writing center only offers in-person consultations, a program similar to Duke's was, in fact, piloted twice in the past.
An online submission program was first tried at SU three years ago when a need arose for additional writing consultants for students studying abroad.
"It received very little business. People preferred to go and meet with an actual person," said Carol Lipson, chairwoman of the writing program. With face-to-face consultations, "You can develop a personal relationship and judge (students') reactions."
A system for submitting drafts online was again piloted last summer for students in the online sections of Writing 205, Lipson said. Of the 60 students to whom the online service was made available, only four utilized the program.
"Students were disappointed when it became difficult to communicate," said Jason Luther, SU's Writing Center coordinator. "It's ironic that you are communicating with literacy, with students that are struggling with literacy."
Luther also fears that there are not enough writing tutors to make an online service available.
"Use of the Writing Center has increased 25 percent since the fall," he said. Because the 26 consultants working at the center are constantly busy with appointments, it would be difficult to set a tutor aside for online submissions.
"E-Tutor" was initiated just 12 days ago at Duke University's writing studio. The online program allows students to submit drafts to tutors electronically from on or off campus. An audio and a written response are returned to the student.
"Online submission will attract students that might be uncomfortable, unable to attend, or abroad … non-native speakers might benefit from the written component," said Vicki Russell, Duke's writing studio director. E-Tutor may also be useful to students whose schedules do not allow for an hour appointment with a tutor.
While students may question why Syracuse University's writing center only offers in-person consultations, a program similar to Duke's was, in fact, piloted twice in the past.
An online submission program was first tried at SU three years ago when a need arose for additional writing consultants for students studying abroad.
"It received very little business. People preferred to go and meet with an actual person," said Carol Lipson, chairwoman of the writing program. With face-to-face consultations, "You can develop a personal relationship and judge (students') reactions."
A system for submitting drafts online was again piloted last summer for students in the online sections of Writing 205, Lipson said. Of the 60 students to whom the online service was made available, only four utilized the program.
"Students were disappointed when it became difficult to communicate," said Jason Luther, SU's Writing Center coordinator. "It's ironic that you are communicating with literacy, with students that are struggling with literacy."
Luther also fears that there are not enough writing tutors to make an online service available.
"Use of the Writing Center has increased 25 percent since the fall," he said. Because the 26 consultants working at the center are constantly busy with appointments, it would be difficult to set a tutor aside for online submissions.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
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posted 10/06/08 @ 3:06 PM EST
The idea of online writing is great! I'm sure that this time things will work better than then and everyone will be pleased and satisfied about this. Congratulations to the one who had the idea and keep up the good work!
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posted 2/13/09 @ 10:51 AM EST
Like Lipson said: use of the Writing Center has increased 25% since the fall.
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posted 3/11/09 @ 7:33 AM EST
Attempting online writing program fails thats so strange. But I think its working in other universities.
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posted 7/15/09 @ 1:33 PM EST
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Great writing!
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posted 8/23/09 @ 8:17 PM EST
An online submission program was first tried at SU three years ago when a need arose for additional writing consultants for students studying abroad. Term Papers - College Term Papers - Research Papers
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posted 9/04/09 @ 2:14 AM EST
Very interesting issue that after a very successful. Nicely written article good work !
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