Webessays and the workplace
Work Scenario One
Worker 1: I've been doing this really good course about child development and I think some of the issues could be helpful here.
Worker 2: Sounds interesting
Worker 1: I've written an essay if you's like to know more about it
Worker 2: great!
Worker 1 gives
worker two the essay a few days later which sits in her in tray for the
next three months
Work Scenario Two
Worker
A: I've just made a web site for my course assignment.
Worker B:
wow - how did you do that?
Worker A: it was a course about child development
and we had to make some web pages instead of an essay
Worker B: can I see it?
They look at the pages together and start a conversation about the issues raised, the pictures chosen and who else might like to look at it.
Work Scenario Three: e-mail from centre manager to all childcare staff:
As you
know, Maria has spent some time out over the last year completing her
advanced certificate. Thanks to all of you who have supported her by taking
extra cases to allow her to attend. As part of the course Maria has made
some web pages exploring key issues in Child Protection. If you have a
few spare minutes you might like to take a look at these pages: www.mariaassignment.htm
Thanks - any issues raised can be discussed at Monday's staff meeting
These examples aim to show the practical possibilites that webessays might offer in terms of taking learning back to the workplace. As an attractive way of sharing learning the benefits seem obvious.
But there are other benefits to non-traditional learners in writing a webesaay rather than a conventional one. Some of these are similar to the benefits of an e-portfolio.
Using and building on experience
A webessay form allows students to start with what they know and rearage and reintegrate this with their new learning. Landow describes this as something like studying for a final examination every week.
Collecting resources for future reference
A Webessay through the potential of hypertext is a collection of resources. For non-traditional learners, incorporating this kind of activity into assessment is a very practical use of time, and relates directly to the needs of current and/or future work. Bowden and Martin are particularly keen to see academic assignments moving in this direction. A webessay might also make reference to non web based resources such as written work policies which are relevent to the top area.
Future development
Web writing is much less static than essay writing. A web-based essay provides the NTL with the opportunity to build on and develop the work in the future. Indees they could be used be teams of workers to develop their thinking on particular topics.
Future Audiences
The obvious audience for a webessay for an NTL is colleagues, but there is potential for future audiences, particularly if the course based work is further built on by the team. professional associations, wider departments might also make use of the work, and there is potential for its use as training material.
So far so good - but what are the challenges for students and their teachers?
