1. OurSpace: Online Conferencing with Developmental Writing Students Sherry Lindquist, Ed. D. Northland Community and Technical College East Grand Forks, MN sherry.lindquist@northlandcollege.edu

2. Why? l Do students flock to my office for writing conferences? NO! l Do students need to talk to me about their writing assignments? YES! l Do students feel intimidated about coming to my office? YES! l Do students have busy schedules like me? YES!

3. Get Started l Experiment with “chat” features in your LMS (BlackBoard, WebCT, Desire2Learn) l Experiment with “IM” software—MSN Messenger l Look for chat or IM software with “transcript” features l See “How To” documents for tech specs

4. Design a Conference Space l With LMS—look for HTML editor options or learn basic HTML coding l With LMS—look for “personal” chat options for conference, “group” chat for classroom practice l With IM—design options usually built in and customizable, designed as “personal”

5. Practice with Students l Try a “group” chat in class, enlist IM gurus l Offer incentives to participate—a little extra credit goes a long way l Publicize conference times and sign up format l Offer hour-long windows, with 15 minute commitment expected l Can accommodate up to six students per hour

6. Go Live! l First session in place of class time l Use first writing assignment as topic l Be in your office l Students participate on campus at remote locations or from home l Do a “de-briefing” and offer conference sign ups next period

7. Be Prepared l For technical glitches l For student anxiety l For amazing dialogue l For personal distractions l For greater investment in topics l For teachable moments—as educator and as learner l See “Results” document for details

8. Build on Success l Explore other uses for conference space – Online office hours – Group project discussion space – Peer review sessions l Share successes and challenges with colleagues and future students