I’ve been pretty busy this semester working with technology consultants Dan Kaple and Brian Wilson on some new additions for Appalachian’s writing center. Dan has been instrumental in integrating the e-learning technology Elluminate with the existing practices and methods of the writing center. Basically, Elluminate is a web-based, real-time application that lets writing consultants and clients conduct one-on-one sessions via the internet.

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn’t sure how well my consultation methods, which use lots of visual learning and face-to-face conversation, would translate in a virtual space. Yeah, they have webcams. But could I really consult without changing my approach drastically? Surprisingly, the online consultation loses little of what happens in a face to face session.

Of course it’s difficult if both parties do not have a webcam, but as far as sharing documents and making changes in real-time, using reference materials (I can share my browser so the client can watch as I show how to find certain information), and making little doodles and visuals with the paint-like whiteboard, I find that I’m pretty much doing the same thing I do face to face on the internet. At times there can be tech problems; sometimes clients may have issues with audio, or the network isn’t collaborating. But it’s really been a great way to extend our services to neglected populations: continuing and distance education students that take classes online or at one of the many cohorts around the state.

Additionally, we’ve taken cue from the librarians at Belk Library and have added an online chat feature to our website.

We just put it up and have been trying to figure out how to best make it a part of our daily routine with rotating staff and various on-goings in the center. Luckily we can set it to a “we are away” status and hopefully avoid people messaging the writing center for a quick question and being met with no response. Actually, I learned that the hard way today. Someone sent a chat message with a quick question about APA style and I was not paying attention. So, if this person ever reads this post (who am I kidding?), sorry for missing your message!

If you are reading and have a question that is short enough to answer via chat, head over the writing center’s website and try it out. Maybe this time I’ll hear the little notification and reply in time!