Conferencing Software: Why to Incorporate It into Writing Instruction and How to Select an Appropriate Product

Abstract

With existing technological capabilities, writing instructors are confronted with many choices regarding the facilitation of their instruction. They must be aware of the potential benefits and shortcomings of using Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in their writing instruction, and then they must decide if this technology will support their pedagogy. If so, they face the decision of choosing a conferencing software product and incorporating it into their classroom. This study was designed to provide some guidance for instructors trying to determine if and how to use conferencing software to enhance their instruction. It reviews the educational theories that promote conversation and support community building in writing instruction and examines how CMC can support these theories. To examine the options available to writing instructors wishing to incorporate CMC in their classroom, it compares seven existing conferencing software applications. This comparison attempts to help instructors, who want to foster conversation, involvement, and a student-centered pedagogy, gain insight into available products. In order to make this comparison information accessible via the Internet, I have created a companion website, which can be found at www4.ncsu.edu/~smfiore.