CW2001 Program - Computers and Writing

Saturday
8:15 — 9:45 Session F.8
Assessing the Claims and Influences
of Technologies
RB 107
Jeff Galin, moderator
Jeff Galin
Tracing the Discourses of Reform and Technology
in Computers and Composition:
A Study of Shifting Academic Institutions and Disciplinary Formation
In the public paper trails of administrative, curriculum and instruction,
and grant committees within several institutions of higher education,
I trace the discourses of reform and technology for learning that
have facilitated the accelerated growth of computers and writing as
a sub-field of composition. This study reveals the claims to truth that
govern technological changes within composition as a discipline and
suggest future directions for work in the field.
Joan Latchaw
Reform or Mythos:
Integrating Technology into College Courses
This study provides and demonstrate empirical rigor in investigating
pedagogical claims for technology. Both innovative methodologies –
postmodern mapping – and traditional methodologies – surveys and
interviews – are applied in examining if or how teaching practices and
philosophies at University of Nebraska-Omaha have been altered as
a result of using computer technology in individual courses. I examine
how teachers utilize the Web-based application called Course Info and
compare syllabi before and after the implementation.
Victoria Sharpe
A Rhetorical Analysis of Two Web-based Teaching Applications:
Technological Determinants or Pedagogical Partners
My presentation explores the rhetorical nature inherent in the design
of Web-based pedagogical applications such as Daedalus Online,
Blackboard, WebCT, and TOPIC. Specifically, my presentation explores
the basic rhetorical elements of the design of two of these sites. My
rhetorical analyses focuses on the persuasive nature of design of
each program to determine if there is a difference in the rhetorical
nature of each and whether this information has any impact on
instructors who may want to use these programs to help realize
their potential pedagogical promise.
80 Computers & Writing 2001