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From Cybersimulations: Low-Tech Variations of High-Tech Applications for Learning Communities

By Dona Hickey, University of Richmond

Donna Reiss, Tidewater Community College

Students construct an essay collaboratively, each person writing specific parts of the essay. Editing and revision steps can also be incorporated. Students then revise and edit both their own work and others’.

The process can be effectively adapted for a variety of types of writing across the curriculum.

Directions:

1. Write a thesis that is a clear statement of a position on an issue related to the assigned topic.
2. Move to another computer, and at the top of the document, write one or two sentences to precede and lead into the thesis.
3. Move to another computer and write the first two or three sentences of a new paragraph as a supporting point for the thesis.
4. Move to another computer and write one or two more sentences to complete the paragraph.
5. Move to another computer and write the first two or three sentences of a new paragraph as another supporting point for the thesis.
6. Move to another computer and write one or two more sentences to complete the paragraph.
7. Move to another computer and write the first sentences of a new paragraph that refutes the thesis and one or more of the supporting points.
8. Move to another computer and write one or two more sentences to complete the paragraph that refutes specific points in the thesis and support.
9. Move to another computer and write a concluding paragraph.
10. Move to another computer and write a title for the essay at the top of the page.

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