Jason focuses on logic and argumentative technique, conducting class by Socratic questioning and holding the students to high intellectual level of discussion. Once the writing process is under way, the class centers around critique and revision of their papers, which go through several drafts. Students regularly participate in peer review exercises and confer personally with the teacher. Jason uses the computer lab in a traditional manner. He allows students to begin drafting their papers and as they work, conferences briefly with each student, answering questions about his written comments on the previous draft and making suggestions for development.
Students use the lab as they wish, for writing, revision, or research.
As students begin to leave at the end of class, Jason stays on to work with those who need further help with their drafts, guiding their revisions on the computer screen. Students find the ability to revise instantly in response to their teacher's suggestions to be helpful. The computer is an alternative space for collaboration . After seeing the package demonstrated by another Teaching Assistant during our pedagogy practicum for new teachers, Sandra fearlessly found ways to use WebCT in her classroom. In the regular classroom, Sandra conducts relatively informal discussions, although as a young teacher she is careful not to compromise her authority.