By Nick Marsellas
Even though we all know the basics of the Online Writing Center (OWC), some of us still have reservations about tutoring online. One tutor told me, “I haven’t even tutored many people face to face yet—I think the OWC is for veterans.”
Dr. Ben Rafoth was quick to dispel this fear, saying that some of the challenges posed by the OWC may be different from tutoring in person, but that doesn’t mean that those problems are more difficult to overcome. In his opinion, even experienced tutors occasionally run into problems (both online and in person), but that’s no reason to avoid the OWC.
Additionally, some tutors have said that they prefer face-to-face interaction with students because they believe it’s easier to build a rapport with someone in person than over the phone. There is certainly some aspect of body language that gets lost over the phone. However, as a Writing Center tutor and avid lover of language, I believe that the words we choose and the ways we choose to say them are influential in forming bonds with writers. Consider the last time you made a phone call—were you able to tell whether it was a positive or negative experience? Of course!
The Online Writing Center is an exciting, new experience and a great way to pick up a few extra hours once in a while. More than that, however, it is a way to reach out and help more students. Our job as tutors is to help students become better writers, but who says we can’t do it lying in bed in our PJs?