One or two loudmouths can monopolize an oral discussion, but that can't happen in an InterChange session, for everyone's voice is equally loud. Finally, there's no need to take notes. The entire discussion can be saved as a file that students can reread later outside of class. In fact, a lot of classwork occurs outside of class. Because all the Writing Labs are on the campus network, students and teachers can work on class materials anytime, from any Mac on the network.
Some teachers hold regular electronic office hours, when they log on to consult with their students.
And some classes use the Internet to collaborate on projects with classes from other universities. Follow this link to see the work of two English 104 sections that published Web pages in Fall semester 1994. During fall semester 1994, the Writing Labs had a total of 2,678 registered class members in 125 classes ranging from Freshman English through graduate-level courses. But Writing Lab classes are not for everyone. In particular, students who like to sleep in the back of the room during dull lectures will be disappointed.