Writing/Reading Lab
The ASC Writing/Reading Lab offers tutoring and computer-based instruction in reading, writing and study skills. Our systems analyze student reading and writing skills and provide each student with customized programs of instruction and practice.
Writing Lab Topics
Support Team:
Chris Nelson
ASC Coordinator and Liaison for the Writing/Reading Lab
Tanya Bogarin
Instructional Support Specialist
Ana Yepiz
Instructional Support Assistant
Lynn Englar
Instructional Support Assistant
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Location: ASC - Building E (College Map) |
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Contact: |
Chris Nelson |
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Phone: |
(760) 773-2557 |
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Fax: |
(760) 773-2553 |
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E-mail: |
cnelson@collegeofthedesert.edu |
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Hours: |
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Monday-Thursday: |
8:00 am to 9:00 pm |
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Friday: |
8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
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Summer Hours: |
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Monday & Wednesday: |
9:00 am to 3:00 pm |
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Tuesday & Thursday: |
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
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Friday: |
Closed |
General Information
The ASC Writing/Reading Lab is a computerized supplemental learning center at College of the Desert, which provides students with access to word processors, videotaped instruction, the Internet, and Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) in reading, writing and study skills. In addition, at regularly scheduled hours during the week, writing instructors or tutors are available to help students with essays, research papers or other issues. The Writing/Reading Lab staff is available during all lab hours to help students operate the computers and software; no previous computer experience is necessary!
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Enrollment Instructions
To use the Writing Lab a student must enroll in an appropriate course or lab.
| Enrolled in Eng. 50, Rdg. 50 or ESL 50B |
Nothing!! When you sign up for these courses you automatically get access to the Writing Lab. |
| Enrolled in any other reading, writing or ESL course |
Add Eng. 97 or Eng. 98—Writing Center |
| Enrolled in any other credit course at COD |
Add ASC 97 or ASC 98—Supplemental Learning Lab |
For more information on adding lab sections, see Using the ASC .
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Reading Skills Software
The ASC reading software is designed to diagnose student reading problems and offer computer assisted instruction that is customized to each student’s individual needs. In some cases, software assignments are closely tied to classroom instruction, but the lab also provides systematic, self-paced instruction independent of assigned instruction. The software addresses the physical reading process (eye-movement, speed of recognition, accuracy of perception), vocabulary and a wide variety of comprehension skills. Below are brief descriptions of the software available.
- READ ON:
Read On software provides comprehension and vocabulary instruction from developmental levels through 10th grade. The software includes grade level placement tests followed by cycles of instruction that introduce and reinforce vocabulary sets and specific comprehension skills. Each cycle ends with a test that is used to advance students to the next level or assign earlier lessons that reinforce particular skills. Students progress through cycles of instruction at their own rate.
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Writing Skills Software
Writing software at the ASC Writing/Reading Lab ranges from simple word processing to software that takes students through the entire process of writing and editing essays. Grammar, technical skills and punctuation are covered extensively in several programs. Below are brief descriptions of all software.
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MICROSOFT WORD 2007:
This is our standard word processing. ASC staff members are carefully trained to assist students unfamiliar with word processing. Printing is free.
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SKILLSTUTOR:
An excellent review for Writing and Reading. Unlimited practice questions.This is Internet-based software which has pre-test and post-test, lessons, and quizzes. Once a student name is entered into the database, that student can access the program from any computer connected to the Internet (Access:
http://www.myskillstutor.com), but students only get Writing Lab credit if they are in the Writing Lab. Used by English, Reading and ESL courses.
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ALLWRITE:
McGraw-Hill developed this software as a companion to their English handbook, The Basics. The program includes an “electronic textbook” (which students can access in several ways and in varying depth as needed), plus pre-tests, practice tests, and post tests, in each instructional module. Most chapters and chapter sections of the Basics have corresponding instructional modules in AllWrite.
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PARAGRAPH PUNCH:
Highly interactive, process oriented program that teaches paragraph structure. Five separate modules are offered, covering Descriptive, Narrative, Illustrative, Cause and Effect, and Persuasive paragraphs. Each Module starts with a choice of three writing prompts. Once a prompt is chosen, the program guides the student through process steps (listed below) that end in a finished paragraph. At each stage of the process, the software offers instructions, suggestions and examples as needed. The student is not allowed to skip any of the process steps. The student may repeat any of the five modules up to three times, using a different starting prompt each time. This is a demanding program for students, but it offers by far the best help on the writing process currently available in the lab. Paragraphs may be printed or loaded into a Word document.
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ESSAY PUNCH:
Highly interactive, process oriented program that teaches essay structure. Three separate modules are offered, covering Descriptive, Informative, and Persuasive essays. Each Module starts with a choice of three writing prompts. Once a prompt is chosen, the program guides the student through process steps (listed below) that end in a finished essay. At each stage of the process, the software offers instructions, suggestions and examples as needed. The student is not allowed to skip any of the process steps. The student may repeat any of the five modules up to three times, using a different starting prompt each time. This is a demanding program for students, but it offers by far the best help on the writing process currently available in the lab. Paragraphs may be printed or loaded into a Word document.
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STUDY SKILLS SOFTWARE
Study skills software at the ASC focuses on learning styles, classroom skills, homework skills and planning and organizational steps for writing. Below is a brief description of the software.
- INSPIRATION:
Excellent to help organize ideas. Students can use this program to brainstorm the structure of an essay using ideas webs and then convert this into a formal outline.
- READ PLEASE:
This program READS TO YOU! Students can copy and paste a document into this program and a computer voice reads it back to them. Suggestion: LISTEN to your paper being read to you so you can hear your mistakes before you ask a tutor for help. Used by Reading 50, English 50, and ESL students.
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To use the Writing Lab a student must enroll in an appropriate course or lab.
