This was one of my favorite sites. Everything loaded quickly, the graphics were great, and the information was easy to understand. The site was last updated on 8/30/97. Bemidji's OWL has both graphic links and text links on the main page that take the visitor to subsequent pages, and the descriptions of those links were very helpful. I knew exactly what I was going to find when I accessed a link. Each page had Bemidji's logo in the lower corner that served as a back link to the main page. I especially appreciated the section for their "Geeks"-the people who work in the writing center and maintain the website.
I was very impressed with everything about the Bemidji OWL. It looked like a very valuable resource that has benefited from a great deal of hard work and development.
Amount of feedback received: The tutor sent the paper back with corrections/suggestions inserted where errors occurred. A paragraph was also written to sum up the findings. No personalized letter, etc.
Quality of feedback: Run-on sentence errors were caught for the most part. The tutor also made suggestions regarding the content of the paper in several areas. Obviously, this person is knowledgeable about Hamlet (paper submitted for test was about this play).
Staff qualifications: Student colleagues with training in English composition.
Additional features: Bios on each tutor with a picture!
Overall Rating: 3 Hoots due to the slow response time.
At Bemidji State's OWL, students can quickly access the handouts they need to help with specific grammar problems. The handouts can be printed for future use or, if needed, students can easily link to other universities' OWLs to obtain similar materials. Following the rather large list of resources offered by the Bemidji State University Writing Resource Center is the section that provides the links to other universities. The section is headed "Can't find it here? Try." This somewhat sarcastic statement implies that students can find it at Bemidji. It is an invitation to go back and look for the item needed instead of using the three other universities listed in this section. The handouts offered by the writing resource center at Bemidji State are far superior to other OWLs reviewed, which often do not have handouts. This OWL rates 5 Hoots.
The information I thought would be helpful to writers was headed "sending a draft for comment, and get writing feedback fast." Information was enclosed about submitting a draft for comments through the Web and getting feedback without leaving the comfort of your computer lab, home, etc. Hours available and response time were given.
Guidelines for proofreading a paper were given. They included: "Cannot proofread a paper, but can answer specific questions. Proofreading entire paper would be collusion." and "violates scholarly ethics. Student encouraged to send questions for sentences they are having problems with. Drafts, questions about writing for classes, resumes, or cover letters can be sent. Will try to assist with any writing, style, format, etc."
A table of contents was offered with an abundance of selections. Choices varied from general strategies for proofreading to myths about sentences (things you might want to unlearn to help you edit). Bemidji State also showed pictures of 12 students who offer online assistance with papers, listing their strengths and areas of expertise. This allows visitors to the OWL to match themselves with the appropriate writing assistant. This is a real PLUS!
On a scale of one to five--five being the highest--I would rate Bemidji State University's Writing Resource Center a four (4). The reason for this rating is that Bemidji State's OWL would be able to offer helpful solutions to the majority of students needing help with a composition.