This innovative paragraph-to-essay level rhetoric teaches the writing process and technology-related skills that students need to be competent, successful participants in both college and the professional community. To highlight the recursive nature of writing, the authors continually refer students back to earlier sections of the text–reinforcing the complete writing process with each new topic. To encourage computer competency, students learn about word processing, email, Internet sites, chat rooms, MOOs, web page development, and specialized software.Divided into 14 paired chapters, Writing.com covers topics such as how to generate and organize ideas, limit the main topic, consider point of view, avoid sexist language, and identify rhetorical patterns. Each chapter features one theme of relevance to students’ lives including We Are All Writers, He Said/She Said, I Know This About Computers, and Music: The Universal Language. Computer and writing activities appear throughout and are based on the latest neuroscientific research on learning. In addition, these activities are both varied and flexible–allowing instructors to customize the course according to campus resources, as well as their students’ personal computers and technical skills.The accompanying textbook web site provides students with additional guidance, activities, reading selections, and links to other web resources.A vast range of optional computer activities may be assigned to students based on available resources. These activities include creating clusters using Microsoft Word, accessing Dolphinville.com (a free, web-based program for developmental writers) to complete writing exercises, visiting chatrooms, and creating a personal web page for potential employers.Go To sections provide URLs for numerous web sites that offer writing guidance, plus research and writing opportunities.Help Screen features throughout offer guidance on topics such as searching on the Internet, revising on a word processor, and using email.Marginal annotations help instructors plan classes and homework assignments.
