A brief history of computer support for writing centers and writing-across-the-curriculum programs

Abstract

I trace the evolution of computer support for writing centers and writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) programs. Calling attention to differences in the rate of adoption and in the type of technology favored by scholars in each area, I discuss their adoption of technology within the context of their varying instructional goals. I consider early work, beginning in the 1970s, in computer-aided instruction (CAI), the development of computer-based management tools, the growing importance of style- and grammar-analysis software, word-processing programs, electronic networks through the 1980s and into the early 1990s, and the rise of interest in using the World Wide Web to support the missions of writing centers and WAC programs. I conclude by speculating briefly on future directions for technological support for writing centers and WAC programs.