2015-09-18

College of DuPage’s 'Writing on the Edge’ conference focuses on the future of writing and innovative teaching methods.

Glen Ellyn, IL (PRWEB) September 18, 2015

English adjunct faculty from across the region will discuss the future of writing instruction and learn about innovative teaching methods, including game-based learning, at College of DuPage’s Writing on the Edge conference. Faculty will explore the latest technologies and approaches for the teaching of writing, a crucial skill that students need for success in college and beyond.

Because reading and writing are so fundamental to all other courses, acquiring these skills helps improve overall the overall likelihood that students will persist and finish their degrees. Research has shown that students who master key concepts in writing composition are more likely to complete their degrees.

During a panel session focused on “edugaming”, adjunct faculty members will take a closer look at an innovative and exciting approach for helping students improve their writing skills: educational games. College of DuPage faculty and experts from Toolwire, a leading developer of game-based learning, will describe how games can challenge students to review, practice, and demonstrate college level writing skills.

“To our knowledge, Writing on the Edge is the first conference of its kind in the Midwest, organized by and for adjunct faculty,” said Dr. Sheldon Walcher, Associate Dean of English and Academic ESL at College of DuPage, and a conference organizer. “Geared toward the future of writing instruction, the conference brings together teachers and researchers from across the region to discuss a number of critical issues in the field, including how to best prepare today’s students to become effective 21st century communicators.”

Working with Toolwire, College of DuPage is one of 25 schools across the country piloting a new Writing Game Series as a tool for helping students to improve their writing skills and master key concepts.

“Writing on the Edge exemplifies how faculty today are embracing technology, including game-based learning, to promote better outcomes for students,” said Cameron D. Crowe, Executive Vice President of Toolwire. “College of DuPage is leading the way in innovation, and we’re excited to be working with them to support the success of their faculty and students.”

Used in tandem with classroom instruction, Toolwire’s Writing Games incorporate live-action video to create an authentic experience that is relevant and engaging for students. Each game takes about 20 minutes to complete and targets one to three specific learning objectives, such as developing a thesis statement.

About Toolwire: Toolwire develops, delivers, and supports immersive learning tools for online and blended learning courses. The company’s Game-Based Learning and Virtual Desktop products and solutions help educational institutions engage learners and prepare them for success in the classroom and the workplace.

About College of DuPage: Among the state's public colleges and universities, College of DuPage serves more than 29,000 students and is the second largest provider of undergraduate education in the State of Illinois after University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/09/prweb12971662.htm

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