At the Robert & Jane Weiner Writing Center, all students develop critical thinking skills with a focus on a student-centered, process-driven model necessary for the successful completion of college-level writing. Working closely with faculty members to understand their individual writing assignments, the Writing Center offers assistance and support for every phase of the writing process. Assistance is available through one-on-one consultations, as well as through the utilization of assistive reading and writing technology.
Assistive Technology
Students entering Beacon College are introduced to assistive technology through the Orientation Program. In addition, the Introduction to Computer Information Systems course demonstrates the assistive technology capabilities of Microsoft Windows and the Office Suite. Students in the College Success course research their learning disability and identify ways to compensate for their learning disability through use of assistive technology.
The College provides the required hardware and software to support the latest versions of assistive technology. Examples of high-tech assistive technology available in the Writing Center and on various workstations throughout campus include:
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- Kurzweil 3000 – Software that aids students in reading by having textbooks and other documents read to them.
- Classmate Reader – A portable text reader that allows students to have various text documents read to them.
- Inspiration – A program that allows students to graphically organize their thoughts to create a structured document.
- Dragon Naturally Speaking – Aids with writing challenges by allowing students to dictate their thoughts.
- Scientific Notebook – Software that aids students in mathematical problem solving.
Writing Center Activities
The Writing Center also offers students creative opportunities to explore critical thinking in their writing. Writing Center activities include Television Game Night, which provides an opportunity for students to socialize with peers while engaging in critical thinking through playing games such as Jeopardy, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Don’t Forget the Lyrics. Additionally, the center holds writing contests in the categories of poetry, prose, and graphic storytelling every semester.
Learn about Beacon’s other Success Services supporting our students!
