On September 13, 2019, we hosted a reflection and discussion about how to identify institutional context and how that institutional context can impact decisions we make for our OWCs. Institutional context is important for how and what decisions we make, and considering institutional contexts helps us to:
- Limit the “either/or” thinking regarding synchronous versus asynchronous tutoring sessions
- Make technology decisions easier
- Ensure a more successful connection with other student support services
- Ensure a more successful connection with the students you aim to serve
- Highlight strategies and strategic partners for soliciting support and funding for student support services
As part of the Conversation Hour, participants engaged in the following activity:
Consider and reflect on the following question for your institution and OWC: How might these unique institutional contexts impact your online writing center?
- Student demographics
- Culture (both of the university and your WC)
- Financial support
- History
- Geography
- Placement within the university
The Conversation Hour ended with a discussion about how institutional context has impacted decisions for OWCs in the past or how they could impact decisions in the future. Many participants identified that their student demographics play a big role in their decision-making and have a large impact on what their OWC looks like.
If you weren’t able to attend the live Conversation Hour, we encourage you to reflect on these contexts on your own, as these can all impact how we develop an OWC and what decisions we make for our OWCs.