OWLs such as the Writery, which present a new mode of academic writing within the cyber environment, generate concerns over the theoretical understanding of literacy. The many questions raised by the use of hypertexts in the academic environment reflect the liminal situation in which technological applications challenge traditional notions of print literacy. The presence of OWLs on the Internet will continue to generate helpful writing information and experiences to not only students but to anyone who has an Internet connection. As the potential for innovative writing experiences has expanded, the concerns over the ramifications of these new experiences has grown. To embrace the positive aspects of innovations in a manner which addresses concerns, OWL creators and users can locate themselves explicitly with reference to how they are using technology.
All OWLs go beyond using the computer as simply a tool, a word-processor for producing paper text.
The Writery represents the use of computer technology as a new model for writing experiences. The technology conveys a new mode of writing as it guides writers in how to use this new mode. With awareness of the theory behind specific OWLs, the purpose and function of each becomes clear. Being clear about these theories, purposes, and functions provides a solid foundation for using OWLs with discernment. Value, Risk, and Evolution.