The First-Year Composition Program Updates Social Networking Site "Composition at the Beach"

First-year composition program co-coordinator Dr. Sarah Arroyo (English) created the social networking site Composition at the Beach for CSULB students and faculty. In Arroyo’s continued efforts to develop a web presence for a program that introduces thousands of students each year to college-level academic writing, the site affords many practical potentials for both teaching and talking about writing. Composition Graduate Assistant Sarah Roussin worked with Arroyo to revamp the site in fall 2011, giving it a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing layout. This spring they have focused on adding up-to-date, relevant materials to the site.

Composition at the Beach is a unique space where students and faculty are encouraged to participate. Once signed up, it is easy to upload and share course syllabi, start or respond to discussions, post events, and connect with colleagues. There is an array of documents pertaining to teaching first-year composition, including the standard course outline, teaching guide, and textbook suggestions. Faculty also have the ability to run their courses off the site using the Groups function.

Arroyo and Roussin are giving two upcoming workshops that will focus on effective ways faculty can use the Groups function in their first-year composition courses. The workshops are April 17th and 18th from 12 to 1 p.m. in MHB 315. Before the workshop, they recommend that first-time users watch the video tutorial. To RSVP, please visit Composition at the Beach.

The Daily 49er just published a story about Composition at the Beach on April 12, 2012. Click here to view the story.