Learning Environment 

--Michael Day, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 

For revision, it has been demonstrated that word processing tools on computers can help students recognize the fact that sentences and paragraphs and essays are made up of interchangeable building blocks from one word to an entire paragraph. Computers make it easier to revise through cutting and pasting, block moving, deleting and retyping text. I developed a simple program for my students to practice using various tools for revising. They use it on the overhead projector, and one student keyboards in the revisions the other students in the class recommend. Then they can practice on their own computers, and share results over the network. Of course, since revision is rhetorical, there is no ONE right answer, so the task of revising for specific audiences can spawn online discussions. (next entry)