White Papers

Authors: Mark Longaker, Kevin Psonak, Noël Clare Radley, Justin Tremel, Lydia Wilmeth

Date: 1 August 2008

PDF: 080801-1.pdf (120K, 7 pages, no images)

Series Number: 080801-1

Keywords: ejournal, Currents, digital publishing

Abstract: To create a working definition of the ejournal, the CWRL’s Currents in Electronic Literacy (Currents) workgroup has spent the past year surveying electronic journals. This white paper analyzes the existing identity of Currents through a context study and makes proposals for Currents becoming a more prominent ejournal.

Author: Lynda Boudreault, Joseph Moser

Date: 1 December 2007

PDF: 080218-2.pdf (167K, 4 pages, no images)

Series Number: 080218-2

Keywords: Second Life, identity, language, gender

Abstract: Students in classrooms always carry with them markers of identity that embody social distinctions—dialect, skin color, clothes, gendered features—that compel them to make judgments about the identities of others (as well as their own). The use of Second Life (SL) as a virtual classroom is envisioned as a space where students can examine topics of gender and language identity. SL fosters an environment where real-life markers of identity are mitigated and potentially neutralized, allowing students to focus on issues of language and gender without being influenced by variables such as dialect, clothes, skin color, and other physical features. Although SL is generally an unpredictable environment, unanticipated scenarios create the opportunity for students to share and compare widely divergent experiences, which contribute to a pool of information useful for research projects.

Author: Clay Spinuzzi

Date: 18 Feb 2008

PDF: 080218-1.pdf (183K, 9 pages, no images)

Series Number: 080218-1

Keywords: knowledge work, contextual inquiry

Abstract: How do office staff work cooperatively in an academic department? In particular, how do they communicate with faculty, students, alumni, and each other; manage their time and projects; and coordinate work with collaborators? In this informal study, I apply knowledge work concepts from a previous CWRL white paper to a naturalistic study of office staff. Findings indicate that staff are dealing with many knowledge work concerns (communication, time and project management, coordination), but in an ad hoc fashion. Problems are exacerbated by a recent geographic split among office staff, and the staff are still finding ways to work across that split. The white paper concludes with suggestions for dealing with these issues in a more coherent and effective fashion.

Author: Will Martin

Date: 5 November 2007

PDF: 071105-1.pdf (203k, 18 pages, no images)

Series Number: 071105-1

Keywords: Accessibility, Drupal

Abstract: This document gives a technical overview of how the CWRL has modified Drupal (a content management system) to make it more accessible to users with disabilities.

Author: Gavin Benke, Sarah Jett, Will Martin

Date: 14 May 2007

PDF: 070514-1.pdf (116K, 5 pages)

Series Number: 070514-1

Keywords: pedagogy, assignments, CWRL

Abstract: This paper describes and analyzes the eFiles assignment database as it stands at the end of the Spring 2007 semester. Additionally, it offers strategies for improving the database and increasing its visibility.

Author: Peter Gunn, Thomas J. Nelson, Arlen Nydam, Kevin Psonak

Date: 1 February 2007

PDF: 070201-1.pdf (600K, 11 pages, 5 images)

Series Number: 070201-1

Keywords: professionalization, teaching portfolio, web sites, CWRL

Abstract: This white paper outlines strategies for effectively integrating CWRL experience into job search documents. Since most CWRL staffers do not specialize in computers and writing, we will address ways that non-specialists can apply lab experience to their specific situations. When effectively presented, lab experience can strengthen such documents as job letters, curriculum vitae, teaching portfolios, statements of teaching philosophy, and personal web sites.

Author: Catherine Bacon, Ingrid Devilliers, Greg Foran, Kay Hetherly, Anna Katsnelson, Lena Khor

Date: 19 January 2007

PDF: 070119-2.pdf (161K, 11 pages, no images)

Series Number: 070119-2

Keywords: grants, funding

Abstract: This paper offers advice for graduate students seeking grant funding, specifically in the fields of writing and technology. While the information presented is specifically relevant for University of Texas students, the advice offered by experienced grant seekers applies to anyone who has an interest in learning about the process of grant writing.

Author: Lynda Boudreault, Jeffery Howard, Noah Mass, Anthony Matteo, Joseph Moser, Malavika Shetty, Vessela Valiavitcharska, Wooseong Yeom

Date: 19 January 2007

PDF: 070119-1.pdf (137K, 10 pages, no images)

Series Number: 070119-1

Keywords: Rhetoric, Game, Game Design, Quest, Neverwinter Nights, Aurora Toolset

Abstract: Rhetorical Peaks is a video game designed for use in a freshman-level rhetoric and writing class. The game puts its player in the role of an undergraduate student whose rhetoric professor has died mysteriously. The player’s tasks are to explore the town of Rhetorical Peaks, interact with a variety of characters, and gather evidence to be used in a causal argument about the death of the professor. On the way to gathering evidence about the professor's death, the player will be presented with a number of challenges that will require the player to practice some of the basic rhetorical skills that the class has studied throughout the semester. We hope that the student players of Rhetorical Peaks will see that there is not one absolutely certain solution to the problem that the game presents, but rather an intriguing variety of possible arguments that they can make about that problem.

Author: Will Martin

Date: 28 September 2006

PDF: 060928-1.pdf (125K, 7 pages, no images)

Series Number: 060928-1

Keywords: customization, software

Abstract: CWRL computers are on a "mirrored" system. This allows for quick software updates and ease of control by system administrators. However, it also makes it difficult for individual users to customize the settings on CWRL computers. This whitepaper addresses the issue of customization by offering one way to customize CWRL PCs.

Author: Clay Spinuzzi

Date: 25 September 2006

PDF: 060925-1.pdf (125K, 7 pages, no images)

Series Number: 060925-1

Keywords: knowledge work, teaching, pedagogy

Abstract: Knowledge work is work in which the primary product is information that is continually interpreted and circulated across organizationally boundaries. This paper examines the teaching practices necessary in a climate of knowledge work.

Author: James Brown, Tom Nelson

Date: 8 March 2006

PDF: 060308-1.pdf (88K, 5 pages, no images)

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Keywords: Currents in Electronic Literarcy, e-journal, reviews

Abstract: This white paper proposes a new, review-based model for Currents

Authors: Thomas J. Nelson, Lee Rumbarger, Matthew Russell

Date: 10 March 2006

PDF: 060310-1.pdf (96K, 7 pages, no images)

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Keywords: staff development, work, training, research, CWRL

Abstract: This white paper written in summer 2005, describes the rationale for the new staffing model of the CWRL, providing historical context and rationale for the new model, which was implemented in the fall of 2005.

Author: Mitch Harris

Date: 06 June 2005

PDF: 050616-1.pdf (80 KB, 4 pages, no images)

Keywords: colloquium, symposium, roundtable

Abstract: Since its inception, the colloquium hosted by the Computers Writing and Research Laboratory (CWRL) has been held in the Spring Semester of each academic year to highlight various achievements and advancements of the lab. These achievements and advancements, however, have had little reception due to lack of participation. In order to reassess the function and reach of this program, CWRL developers met throughout the course of the 2004 Fall Semester to discuss possible ways to reengage graduate student and faculty interests. This whitepaper articulates some ways in which the colloquium can be reshaped to meet the demands and interests of its intended audience.variety of purposes in the teaching of literature.

Author: Jason Craft

Date: 12 May 2004

PDF: 040512-1.pdf (176KB, 6 pages, no images)

Keywords: XML. XSLT, XML Schemas, Markup, Rhetoric

Abstract: This paper provides a brief description of the Extensible Markup Language (XML), the Extensible Stylesheet Language for Transformations (XSLT), and XML Schemas. It delineates some of the design principles that inform XML as a method of data communication, and suggests some affinities between those design principles and concepts taught in rhetoric and composition classes.

Author: Peg Syverson

Date: 17 September 2003

PDF: 030917-1.pdf (116K, 5 pages, no images)

Series Number: 030917-1

Keywords: writing, technical reports, white papers, CWRL

Abstract: This white paper launches the CWRL White Paper Series. It establishes a rationale, principles, and guidelines for structuring white papers, suggests how they may be distributed and how we might archive them for future use.