Writing Center incorporates Google Documents into its services

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Students looking for a tutoring session don’t have to leave their couch anymore.

Through Google Documents and its real-time editing capabilities, students and tutors can log on to and be editing the same document from two different locations.

“This allows the student and tutor to edit the document together. They can both make changes and see what the other person is doing at the same time,” said Meghan O’Donnel, writing arts graduate student and writing consultant for the Writing Center.

Students can make appointments with a tutor by calling or emailing the Writing Center, and logging onto Google Documents at the same time as the tutor and in the same document.

“One student who frequently visits the writing center really appreciated the fact that we can help her outside of writing center, because she has a lot she wants to accomplish and is not always able to make it to Rowan because of her busy schedule,” O’Donnell said. “The introduction of Google Docs has generated a lot of excitement from students and professors alike, as we have received many phone calls asking when students could begin making Google Doc appointments.”

Google’s technology allows users to track changes and revisit edits after the session, as well as allow comments on the document from both the student and the tutor. O’Donnell said the center is using the comments as virtual sticky notes where tutors can write tips and suggestions for students.

“Google Docs provides a multifaceted experience for the student. It allows students to receive tutoring at their convenience and in the comfort of their own space,” O’Donnell said. “If someone cannot fit a visit to the Writing Center into his or her schedule, but still wants to receive the invaluable benefit of a consultation, then Google Docs is ideal.”

The Writing Center is incorporating more new technology into its services, with a Twitter account (@ruwc), and it is working on a Tumblr.