Writing, Editing, and Research
My professional writing includes completing numerous textbook reviews and editing projects, including online resources, teacher manuals, and student guides for the programs I have overseen. Since September 25, 2011 I have been IRB certified and have updated my training as needed to retain my certification since some of my research has required full IRB review. Below I have described how my research has informed my teaching and impacted the quality of learning in the courses I teach. Please the List of Professional Activities for publications, book reviews, and other scholarly activities.
Integrative Learning Portfolios (ILPs)
In the Fall 2011 semester, I piloted the use of an Integrative Learning E-folio (ILEF) in 3 sections of Technical Communication for Chemical Engineering students. The students completed a ChemE-folio as one of the writing requirements for their core technical communication course. See ChemE-folio Assignment and Sample ChemE-folios, which demonstrate how students’ work meets the course outcomes as well as broader curriculum competencies. The instructor, Cindy Raisor, has received IRB approval (IRB protocol number: 2011-0804) to share her research results using e-folios to meet the technical communication competencies in the course. (The course is currently required for all ChemE students). Also, she will present at the 12th Annual Texas A&M Assessment Conference on February 21 with Debra Fowler, Associate Director of CTE, on “Using Student Reflective Portfolios to Assess Course and Program-Level Outcomes.” For a more detailed account of my work, see Integrative Learning E-folios.
Emerging Technology Research
Exploring and assessing the value of emerging technologies in writing instruction has fueled my interest in virtual world technology, particularly Second Life®. My research and my classroom application of Second Life® (SL) conclude that SL promotes inquiry-guided learning, professional networking and collaboration, professional accountability, and creation of deliverables for audiences beyond the scope of classroom and web-delivered courses. For more information about how and why I use Second Life to teach writing courses, please see my blog Rhetorical Musings and my website Why Second Life?. Please also see Second Life® Reflection site and writing exercise to learn how my students describe what they learned by using virtual world technology to their potential employers. Last, here is a short photo album of Second Life highlights.