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Our Digital Consulting Philosophy
Technologies like word processors and the Internet continue to change the way we write and receive information. Word processors, for instance, give the writer the means to compose on-screen, revise quickly and automatically check spelling. The WWW changes the nature of writing by allowing the writer to communicate not just through the written word, but through a spectrum of multimedia including graphic design elements, sound, and animations. The Internet and electronic texts make available many new resources for information and require new methods of conducting research.
The Writing Center strives to support writers as they use technology. To this end, we offer an array of services that relate specifically to digital composition, including composing for and researching on the WWW. The Writing Center hosts a small computer lab for its clients and a group of Digital Writing Consultants for this purpose.
Digital Writing Consultants (DWCs) are trained to help writers take advantage of new technologies. When you call to make an appointment, just ask the receptionist to schedule you an appointment with a DWC.
The Writing Center's DWCs can help you:
Examples of Software available at the Writing Center:
Digital Consulting
Your digital consulting session will not begin at a computer. Like a regular session at the Writing Center, your consultant will talk to you about your project – have you considered your audience, are you covering all the requirements of the assignment, etc. If you’re building a website, for example, before you begin using Composer, Dreamweaver, or GoLive, the DWC might ask you what links you need, if you will need graphics, or if you know about your AFS space. Not only can the DWC answer your technical questions, he/she can also help you think critically about your project.
Research on the Internet
DWCs can help students take advantage of searching technologies to find relevant information on the WWW.
Faculty and Instructors
The Writing Center offers a package of services to help faculty and instructors as they compose and teach with technology. The WC invites all instructors to meet with a Graduate Digital Writing Consultant (GDWC) (someone with experience in both teaching and in using new technologies) to establish the instructor's individual needs and to tailor existing services to meet those needs. This might include developing a personal or course website, designing an online component for a course, or supporting students as they work on individual or small-group web pages or desktop-publishing materials. Our services include classroom presentations on web page composition and Internet research, and one-on-one consulting with faculty and students.
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