OurSpace: Online Conferencing with Developmental Writing

Students

Sherry Lindquist, Ed. D.Northland Community and Technical

CollegeEast Grand Forks, MN

sherry.lindquist@northlandcollege.edu

Why?Why?

Do students flock to my office for writing conferences? NO!

Do students need to talk to me about their writing assignments? YES!

Do students feel intimidated about coming to my office? YES!

Do students have busy schedules like me? YES!

Get StartedGet Started

Experiment with “chat” features in your LMS (BlackBoard, WebCT, Desire2Learn)

Experiment with “IM” software—MSN Messenger

Look for chat or IM software with “transcript” features

See “How To” documents for tech specs

Design a Conference SpaceDesign a Conference Space

With LMS—look for HTML editor options or learn basic HTML coding

With LMS—look for “personal” chat options for conference, “group” chat for classroom practice

With IM—design options usually built in and customizable, designed as “personal”

Practice with StudentsPractice with Students Try a “group” chat in class, enlist IM

gurus Offer incentives to participate—a little

extra credit goes a long way Publicize conference times and sign up

format Offer hour-long windows, with 15 minute

commitment expected Can accommodate up to six students per

hour

Go Live!Go Live!

First session in place of class time Use first writing assignment as topic Be in your office Students participate on campus at remote

locations or from home Do a “de-briefing” and offer conference

sign ups next period

Be PreparedBe Prepared

For technical glitches For student anxiety For amazing dialogue For personal distractions For greater investment in topics For teachable moments—as educator and

as learner See “Results” document for details

Build on SuccessBuild on Success

Explore other uses for conference space– Online office hours– Group project discussion space– Peer review sessions

Share successes and challenges with colleagues and future students