Re: the march of technology

[Chad Engbers <engbers@cua.edu>]

I forwarded this to all of my colleagues just this morning.  Apparently this
morning's Post features two essays side-by-side, each of which was given an
A by the software.  I haven't had a look yet, but I'm told the differences
are "instructive, to say the least."  I'll pass it on if I can get my hands
on it.

My immediate reaction is similar to my reaction to most technological
teaching aids:  it might prove very useful as a tool within a larger
conglomeration of other tools.  The danger is in using it for the wrong
purpose.  I shudder at the thought of leaving grading to a machine (I've
graded on a computer, and I wouldn't even use canned comments like "expand"
or "good point"--I always physically typed every piece of feedback), but I
imagine that this might make an excellent revision tool.

The most interesting point of the article, to me, was the comment that
teachers can easily let things like style persuade their judgment.  There
are many times in my own grading when I would have been interested in seeing
the results of a grading process where this was not a factor.

Chad
Catholic U, Wash. DC

-----Original Message-----
From: Pool, Bridget R. <bpool@nv.cc.va.us>
To: 'wcenter' <wcenter@ttacs6.ttu.edu>
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 1998 11:45 AM
Subject: the march of technology


>Opinions?
>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1998-10/13/067l-101398-idx.html
>
>***********************************************************
>Bridget Robin Pool
>Writing Center Coordinator
>Northern Virginia Community College/Loudoun Campus
>703.450.2511
>
>