OWLs in Flight: Online Writing Labs for Distance Learning

The online writing lab (or OWL) has emerged in the past decade as a major use of technology for the student; however, rarely does it serve the distance learner. This paper considers (1) the needs of distance learners for academic support systems, (2) the failure of these services to be extended to technology-dependent students, and (3) the advantage of technology-mediated writing tutorials over face-to-face tutorials. This topic demonstrates one instance in which technology-mediated instruction is advantageous, not compensatory, for distance students. It feeds a major concern (writing competence) in many schools as seen in remedial programs and Writing Across the Curriculum