Philosophical Approaches to Writing Center Web Sites

Philosophical Approaches to Writing Center Web Sites 2006 Pacific Northwest Writing Center Association Conference At Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR Presented by Peter Ellis Web Site Manager/Writing Tutor The Evergreen State College Writing Center

Session Outline
5 minute Writing Exercise
What am I talking about?
Personal Background
Web Site Philosophy of Evergreen's Writing Center
Seminar Discussion
Collaboration Discussion

Writing Exercise: 5 minutes How has your web site developed over time? Or, if you don't have a web site: What does your ideal web site look like?

What am I talking about?
Professional web designer since 1999
Web site must have a guiding philosophy separate from the operational philosophy of the Center
But what is a web site philosophy?
Encompasses management method, overall “message” of the web site
Site should actively reinforce the Center's operational philosophy.

My Background
Joined Writing Center staff as web site manager in Fall 2002
oversight of web site content
liaison to Campus Web Team
Formulating philosophy for the web site
Coordinating web site meetings
Hired as tutor, Fall 2003

Web Site Management Philosophy
Web site management before my hire...
Old (Fall 2002 - Summer 2005)
Web site manager controls all content, layout, full autonomy
Meets weekly with Writing Center director

Web Site Management Philosophy
New (Fall 2005 - Present)
Decision: web site should be a tool used and developed by the tutors
Web site manager as “editor”
Tutors provide content
Meeting directly with tutors

Impact
Old Philosophy
Centralized web site work through a single person, but also made making changes somewhat harder
New Philosophy
Decentralized content creation
Reduced the amount of content being generated/revised
Increased slightly the number of new content ideas

Transitions Between Philosophies
Why did the amount of content drop?
Not sure: switched both philosophies and people responsible for web site oversight at the same time
Possible combination of:
Web site content being “intimidating”
We do not tutor online

Food for Thought
What are the ethical issues surrounding web sites, particularly providing scheduling information or tutor backgrounds online?
How do you bridge the gap between online and in-person interactions with writers?
How do you effectively support faculty, staff, and students via the web?
Why would maintaining a web site have a negative impact on the Center's operations and philosophy?

Philosophical Approaches to Writing Center Web Sites

by Peter Ellis on Mar 22, 2009

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Philosophical Approaches to Writing Center Web Sites — Presentation Transcript