FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q  What is the Allan Hancock College Online Writing Lab (OWL)?
A  The Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a newly created site funded by El Colegio de Aprendizaje:  a Title V grant.  The OWL provides many of the same services as the Writing Center on campus and is now available to assist distance learning students with writing across the curriculum online. 

Q  What services are available in the Writing Center?
A  One-to-one tutoring with Language Arts instructors and Writing Center staff is available.  The Writing Center also offers a wide variety of handouts to assist students with specific questions.  Students may also receive assistance with word processing and computer use.

Q  Who can use the OWL?
A  The OWL is primarily meant to serve distance learning students as they don’t have access to the Writing Center on campus. Please do not schedule an online appointment if you have access to the Writing Center on campus. Many distance learning students live out-of-state and this service is meant to provide them with the same service other students may access in person.

Q  Do I need to be registered for a class to use the OWL and/or the Writing Center?
A  Yes. You must be registered for Engl. 300, 501, ESL writing, or Engl. 306 (the ½ unit Writing Center course).

Q  What is English 306?
A  Engl. 306 is a ½ unit credit/no credit course that allows students from any discipline to use Writing Center services. Students must complete eight (8) hours for credit in the course by logging in and out of the attendance computer using a valid AHC student identification card. This course may be repeated four times and is open to enrollment until week 14.

Q  Where is the Writing Center located and what hours is it open?
A  The Writing Center is located in the Academic Resource Center, L101.  It is currently open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Q  Who are the OWL instructors?
A  They are Language Arts instructors and staff - the same folks that work in the Writing Center.

Q  How will visiting the OWL help me with my writing?
A  When you visit the online lab, you can access writing handouts, ask a grammar question, and receive one-to-one tutoring.

Q  What happens during an online writing lab consultation?
A  First, schedule a time.  There are limited hours available, so please check the schedule. Next, you will email a copy of your paper to the email provided.  Then, follow the directions in the email to log on to your appointment.

Q  What do I need for an online consultation?
A  You will need an email account and a phone line separate from your computer line, preferably DSL.  Dial-up will be difficult to use.

Q  Are computers available in the Writing Center?
A  There are 46 computers available for student use in the Writing Center located in the ARC.