Introduction to Teaching Composition in an Electronic Environment, An
Eric Hoffman
Carol Scheidenhelm, both of Northern Illinois University

ISBN-10: 0205297153
ISBN-13: 9780205297153

Publisher: Longman
Copyright: 2000
Format: Paper; 257 pp
Published: 01/19/2000

Suggested retail price: $72.00
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An Introduction to Teaching Composition in an Electronic Environment is designed for instructors who have an “average” knowledge of computers overall and very little training or experience on how they can be used beneficially in the composition classroom. As such, the book focuses on offering practical explanations and specific ideas for lesson plans that can easily be incorporated into class time.

The text is divided into two parts. The first section explains the basics of the three main computer tools used in composition — word processor, e-mail, and the World Wide Web — and focuses on some basic ways these tools can be implemented for teaching writing. While the material assumes some basic knowledge, major concepts and terminology are always explained and defined fully. The second section addresses more directly the application of technology in the classroom. It includes practical advice on preparing for a course with an electronic component and what to do the first few days of class. This section also includes a series of lesson plans categorized according to pedagogical goals and technological requirements.

A third supplementary section of this text includes trouble-shooting guides for common problems in the lab, a glossary of computer terms, sample Web pages that teachers can adapt for their courses, a section on Netiquette, and an index of on-line writing and grammar resources on the Web.

  • By assuming readers are “average” computer users, the text provides practical advice for using computer technology to those instructors who most need it.
  • Provides a basic orientation to what the word processor, e-mail, and the World Wide Web are and how they can be used to facilitate the teaching of writing.
  • Includes helpful information on preparing the electronic classroom and specific advice on how to use resources that are available to their maximum advantage.
  • Offers extensive attention to the collaborative uses and advantages of computers throughout.
  • Presents specific lesson plans for incorporating word processing, e-mail, and the World Wide Web into the composition classroom.
  • Advises instructors how to trouble-shoot and quickly address common technological problems and helps them be more confident about working in an electronic environment.
  • Includes a primer on how to write a home page for the composition class.
  • Includes an extended glossary with helpful explanations for terms specific to computer technology.



Preface.


1.Teaching Writing in an Electronic Environment.

Implications of Using Technology in the Classroom.

Why Teach with Technology?

Teaching with Technology Not Teaching Technology.

What to Expect from This Text.

Conventions.

Words of Encouragement.

Works Cited.



2.Some Guiding Principles.

Integration.

Simplicity.

Consistency.

Preparation.

Improvisation.

(Troubleshooting Experience).



3.Word-Processing Basics.

Word Processor Types.

The Full-Featured Word Processor.

The Bare-Bones Word Processor.

Choosing a Word Processor.

Word-Processing Standardization.

Saving.

Ensure File Translatability through Redundant File Saves.

Cut, Copy, and Paste.

Find/Replace.

Spell Check/Grammar Check.

Using Help.



4.Using the Word Processor in Class.

The Word Processor as Writing Space.

The Word Processor as Revision Toolbox.

The Word Processor as a Medium of Collaboration.

The Word Processor as a Desktop Publisher.

Word Processing in a Local Area Network.



5.E-mail Basics.

Getting an Account.

Password Tips.

Choosing a Mail Reader.

The Client-Side Mail Reader.

Server-Side E-mail Applications.

Using Mail Folders.

Newsgroups and Mailing Lists.



6.Using E-mail in Class.

Guidelines Specifying Acceptable and Expected Use.

E-mail as a Writing Space.

Asynchronous Space of Public Discourse.

E-mail Attachments.



7.World Wide Web Basics.

How Web Pages Work.

Using a Web Browser.

Understanding URLs.

Select Resources Related to Web Pages.



8.Search Engines.

How Search Engines Work.

Choosing a Search Engine.

Search Techniques.

Evaluating Search Results.

Selected Search Engine and Internet Evaluation Resources.



9.Integrating Web Instruction.

Types of Integration.

Web-Supported Instruction.

Web-Based Instruction.

Chat Rooms.

Select Resources Related to Teaching and the World Wide Web.



10.Preparing the Electronic Environment.

Define Goals.

Identify Resources.

Match Goals with Resources.



11.Entering the Electronic Environment.

Before Going to Lab.

Day One.

Suggestions for First Day Activities.

Day Two.

Suggestions for Second Day Activities.



12.Word-Processing Lesson Plan Samples.

Collaborative Word-Processing Stories.

Freewriting Journal.

Spellcheck: Text Manipulation Activity.

Select, Cut, Copy, and Paste.

Works Cited Information Collection.

Spellcheck Journal.

Charting Personal Writing Problems.

Peer Interviews for a Case Study.

Problem Solving: Investigating and Recommending Specific Action.

Rewriting Exercise.



13.Lesson Plans Using E-mail.

Diagnostic Exercise.

E-mail Discussion.

Introductions.

Holiday Season Rituals.

Small Group Brainstorming and Topic Selection.

Writing for Different Audiences.

Individual/Small Group “Oral” Reports.

Critical “Lurking.”



14.Web-Based Lesson Plans.

Diagnostic Exercise (version 1).

Diagnostic Exercise (version 2).

Final Exam.

Citation Style Treasure Hunt.

Search Engine Topic Exploration.

Web Page Credibility.

Hypertext Reading.



Appendix A: Glossary.


Appendix B: Writing Basic Course Web Pages.

Using the Template.

General HTML Instructions.

Web Page Template.

HTML Sources for Lesson Plans Included in Chapter 14.



Appendix C: Netiquette, Emoticons, and Acronyms.

Netiquette.

Emoticons and Acronyms.



Appendix D: Troubleshooting Guides.

Basic Word-Processing Troubleshooting.

E-mail Troubleshooting.

World Wide Web Troubleshooting.



Appendix E: Online Writing and Grammar Resources.


Appendix F: Select Bibliography.

For Teaching Composition


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