This site was excellent. The opening page has a well-designed image map that allows the user to click on part of the image to get to the desired information. It was last updated on 9/23/97 and appeared to contain very useful information. On the pages that were heavy on text, Marist targeted links at the top to direct the user to an exact place in the document. This site was extremely easy to navigate with a very nice graphic back link on each page.
My only complaint about this site was that I found the white text on the darker background somewhat difficult to read. Otherwise, it was a very easy site to work with.
Format for submission: Marist's page contains a very clear form for submitting papers. The form resembles any other generic form on the Internet. You are asked to fill in your name, email address, course, professor, assignment, and specific problems you want to address.
Difficulty level: Easy. This format works well for students at all technical levels, even though it is necessary to cut and paste the paper into email. I say this because a help screen is provided, allowing students to print the instructions and follow along step-by-step as they complete the submission process.
Amount of feedback received: Marist's feedback is superior in quantity. The method used is to return a copy of the paper, with asterisks and comments inserted at the site of the error. The feedback I received on a two-page paper contained nine of the "cut-ins" as well as a final overview of the paper. By responding with such detail, it is almost as if the tutor were sitting across the table and interrupting me with suggestions as I was reading.
Quality of feedback: All of the planted errors were detected and discussed. The run-on sentences, wordiness, spelling, and paragraph structure were all mentioned. The tutor also commented on the smallest of errors in the paper. For example, one comment read, "try -as well as- instead of using -and- above." By remarking on such minute details, the feedback becomes very personalized. It is evident that the cybertutor took time to carefully read the paper rather than just scanning for glaring errors. The summary at the end of the paper was also helpful. The tutor wrote, "Towards the end, you seem to put too many thoughts into each paragraph. You need to break up your different thoughts into separate paragraphs. Otherwise, the paper is well written and follows the assignment."
Staff qualifications: Not specifically listed, although the tutor's responses showed impressive subject knowledge. The response was sent anonymously.
Additional features: After submitting the paper, a screen appears asking users to review the website and the quality of online tutoring. Feedback is encouraged.
Overall Rating: 5 Hoots
The site "recommends checking your paper according to the style sheet found at Purdue University's On-line Writing Lab." I decided to click on this spot and find the style sheet. This link took me to the Purdue OWL, but it was not easy to find the style sheet. On the main page of Purdue's OWL there was no link for a style sheet, so I found myself searching for it. This is a drawback for the Marist OWL. ALCUIN should make the link clearer so users can find the style sheets quickly and easily. Because this OWL does not have handouts and the link is confusing, I must give ALCUIN 2 hoots.