Charlotte Parent
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Julie Hui
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Information / Information
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 2 – 11am – 11:50am
Room: Breakout Room 5
Authors: Julie Hui, Michelle Sprouse, Umang Bhojani, Charlotte Parent
Presenter: 6
Abstract
In technical communications, the importance of writing concisely and proficiently cannot be understated. In an academic context, when trying to refine and hone one’s technical communication skills, utilizing model texts is an incredibly beneficial way to engage with it. It allows them to refer to an example and have a source of inspiration and framework for their own work. With this idea in mind, in connection to this research study, the purpose of it was to investigate how instructors approached utilizing an academic tool that integrates model texts and annotations in their classrooms. This tool, also known as the Lettersmith academic tool, provides writers with a collaborative platform to refine their professional writing skills. Through feedback from their peers and readily-accessible templates, it gives users a myriad of ways to improve their writing. Our introductory question focused on how professors approached integrating the tool in their classes and how students learned from their integration methods. After collecting our preliminary data through interviews, we used an open-coding software to search the transcripts for similarities. From the preliminary results we have thus far, a common theme has been how intstructors reported using the tool for lab reports, cover letters, and other highly-structured writing tasks. They cited that the structure of the annotation tool lent itself well to the formulaic nature of the examples they engaged with in class. Additionally, in regards to the “tagging†aspect of the tool, instructors reported feeling challenged when differentiating between tagging organizational categories and repeating elements. These difficulties suggest that future iterations of the annotation tool might incorporate several layers of tags. Though the concrete findings are not yet finalized, as we continue our research, we expect to find similar ideas from the interview subjects.
Social Sciences
