indicates
a link the to the Works Cited page.
The movement toward on-line writing instruction is quickly sweeping though our field, and those involved in this process are touting the benefits of writing on the Web--not without good reason. Students gain more experience writing when their discussions take place on-line; those who are afraid to speak up in face-to-face discussions have found freedom of voice; and our efforts to neutralize the teacher-centered classroom have gained new ground in the virtual world. Those of us who believe in the power of on-line instruction to improve our students' writing and, on a more political note, to democratize the classroom are quick to point out these benefits. And rightly so, if our goal is to convince others that computer-mediated instruction is well worth our time. It is a mistake, however, for us to ignore the problems that on-line instruction creates for women and people of color while unconditionally celebrating this new technology.
To fully explain my concern here, I must back track into the traditional
classroom and discuss my research on student-to-teacher harassment. I encourage
readers who are unfamiliar with student-to-teacher harassment issues to
follow the hypertext map below, which begins in the traditional classroom,
moves to issues virtual space, and then explores potential conflicts for
female teachers in virtual environments, ending with a discussion of tentative
solutions. However, I provide links to major sections of this hypertext
here for those who prefer to go it alone. This symbol indicates
a link the to the Works Cited page.
Overview
of the Study
Examples
of Student-to-Teacher Harassment in the Traditional Classroom
Masculine
Space
Real and Perceived
Differences in Computer Expertise
Responsibility-Or
Lack Thereof
Invisibility:
It's ONLY Email
What Can
We Do?
Temper Optimism
with Critical Analysis
Train and Prepare
Instructors
Train Students
Create and Enforce
a Discipline Plan
Ensure Safe
and Supportive Administration
Works Cited