software needs for a new writing center

[Laurie_Neighbors@monterey.edu (Laurie Neighbors)]

Hi everyone...

I'm interested in getting some feedback from list members regarding
software use in writing centers. I'm especially interested in the kind
of software that allows students to come into the center a set number
of hours a semester to work on basic skills as a credit-bearing
experience. At CSUMB, we don't offer basic skills writing classes, but
we are finding that we have a growing population of students who are
lacking in terms of the basics (including a migrant education
population who are struggling with ESL—for which we also offer no
specific courses)....As the new writing coordinator here, I'm trying to
determine to what extent these issues can be addressed through software.

At my previous institution, computerized instruction was very big, and
the English department offered courses in grammar, vocabulary, basic
writing, and ESL that were computerized and overseen by the writing
center director. Still, there is some debate here as to whether such
programs can really impact students' writing abilities.

Any thoughts? Recommendations? Any software you think I ought to take a
look at?

Laurie