By Rachael Worth
Published on November 7, 2007
Everybody knows the stress of having to write a paper without help. PJC’s online writing lab is designed to give students online tutoring and advice on grammar, reading, and writing related to any subject.
The lab is run by Christine Prendergast, reading and writing lab supervisor. Prendergast said that it is possible, at any point in a student’s written assignments to receive help and suggestions.
There are two ways to receive help from the Writing Lab. First would be to use the Web site itself. It can be accessed by typing the link http://itech.pjc.edu/writinglab/index.htm and then following the link that says “online writing help.”
After submitting an assignment, students will receive their reviewed paper, along with comments and suggestions, within 24 hours.
The other way to use this resource is to go directly to the lab, on the Pensacola Campus, in Building 1, Room 106. Students do not need an appointment and normally can be seen immediately, depending on how busy the lab is.
“We normally receive eight to 10 students a day,” Prendergast said.
The lab is equipped with 30 computers so the students can actually write their papers there and quickly receive assistance when needed.
Prendergast, who is also a former teacher, is in her fifth year of running this program.
“I really like working with the students; there are so many different people I get to see and help,” Prendergast said.
Prendergast has been running the writing part of the lab by herself since May and says it is fulfilling to get to see how much she actually helps the students.
“The lab gets a steady flow of students, but we are busiest in the mornings,” Prendergast said.
Jeffrey Jolly, a student at PJC, utilizes the online writing lab frequently.
“It is awesome to be able to get an accurate review of my papers before having to submit them for a final grade,” he said.
Many students, when questioned about this facility, admitted to having never heard of it, but stated that it sounded extremely helpful.
When asked about the complexity of the program, Jolly said that it was the simplest thing he had ever done.
“I wish I had known about this my first year,” Jolly said, who is in his second year of general studies. “It would have been very helpful, and I could have avoided a lot of stress!”