FYI, both Corel 8 and Word 8 are now in circulation and do allow direct
publishing to the web. The interface and the html layout are both a bit
clutzy, and I generally end up spending some time tidying up the html
files, but it sure beats all those <codes> I used to have to use.
Doug
C Schryer wrote:
>
> For the on-line discussion, we are using Web Review. It creates threaded
> discussions and allows us to create topics (related to the readings) that
> help us keep things organized. It's an IBM in-house product that we have
> adapted to the course. and except for a few really strange interface
> problems, we like it. It doesn't take too long to figure out.
>
> Our main problem has been associated with the on-line peer editing and
> evaluating of drafts. I explored 3 packages:Common Space, Web Board, and
> the annotation functions in Word. Originally I wanted the on-line editing
> to occur in an HTML environment as I wanted 2 editors to work on and
> discuss a third student's paper. I use this procedure in my on-campus
> course and it works a lot btter than dividing them in pairs. This need
> ruled out Common Space (although I like it a lot) as it could not function
> in an HTML environment and also it added a fair bit of extra cost to the
> course.
>
> Web review did work in an HTML environment, and we gave it a good try. But
> perhaps because it was designed for intra-net environment in an
> organizational context, it truely failed to suit our needs. The system
> numbered every sentence and you could only input advice or comments at the
> end of each sentence. Original paragraphing was lost and the system created
> such miserable looking, hierachical looking pages that we just gave up on
> it. And it crashed the university's server.
>
> So now we are using the annotation functions in Word. They are actually
> fun to play with. You can insert comments and delete and add and shove
> things around in interesting ways. Moreover the interface clearly
> distinguishes between the original text and any suggested changes. I like
> the fact too that comments don't actually interfere with the student's text.
> Rather they appear as pop-ups as you move the cursor along the page.
>
> Our next problem will be to find a way to keep the web site itself
> up-to-date and fresh. right now making and serious changes is difficult.
> We have heard, however, of a new product called Live Page that might help
> with this.
>
> So we have created a system wherein the students email us their papers and
> we distribute them among the editors. We have had to invent some management
> tools to help keep track of all this.
>
> We also make sure at the beginning of the course that everyone has the same
> software and in fact the university offers students a pretty good deal so
> that they can purchase Word 7 cheaply.
>
> I have also recently learned that in its next rebirth Word will have a
> function that will allow users to compose in Word and then publish directly
> to an HTML environment. this will help a lot.
>
> Other features also make the course possible-- the library now has an
> excellent electronic interface. Students really can do detailed searches
> on-line and even find scholarly material. It is these kinds of resources
> that makes this kind of course possible now.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Natasha Artemeva <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: March 11, 1999 7:42 AM
> Subject: Re: Issues in Composition at Cdn. universities
>
> >c schryer wrote:
> >
> >> In the process of doing this, I learned a lot about the development of
> >> on-line courses and software requirements--especially about annotation
> >> software for providing commentary on drafts.
> >
> >Cathy,
> >What software are you using?
> >What I've been trying to do with my Engineering Communication course
> >sounds very much like what you describe. By the way, I think that
> >teaching a quality online writing course requires even more time from
> >the instructor than teaching a traditional course. All these dreams of
> >cheap courses do not seem to be realistic.
> >
> >
> >--
> >_____________________________________
> >Natasha Artemeva
> >
> >Engineering Communication Program Coordinator
> >School of Linguistics and
> >Applied Language Studies
> >Carleton University
> >
> >Tel.+1 (613) 520-2600 ext.7452
> >Fax +1 (613) 520-6641
> >
--
Doug Brent
Co-ordinator, Undergraduate Program in Communications Studies
Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs
Faculty of General Studies, University of Calgary
(403) 220-5458
Fax: (403) 282-6716
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dabrent
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