Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, Vol 5, No 1 (2009)

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Advanced Technical Writing: Blending Virtual Communities

Reneta Lansiquot

Abstract


A mixed-methodology research study was conducted to evaluate the use of virtual worlds in facilitating meaningful communication and in developing an online learning community that would enhance outcomes in advanced technical writing blended-learning courses. Students in this course wrote blogs, conducted research online, created manuals for students, produced online versions of their manuals, and conducted usability studies. The current study also examined the effect this pedagogical approach has on writing apprehension. Results indicate that, overall, students' tendencies to avoid writing situations were significantly lowered. Analyses of the data informed creation of a partially online advanced technical-writing course.

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