Whenever I have been involved in planning a conference, I have always been amazed when the day finally arrives and the event is actually taking place. I find it particularly surprising that this symposium is actually materializing because the planning committee, which consisted of 14 people from 6 universities, had no face-to-face meetings. All discussions were carried out by e- mail, and program information was gradually posted to a Web site. This is the marvel for me of the Internet. So much can be carried out in cyberspace.
Today we are going to hear in particular about how faculty in various disciplines (especially in foreign languages and English composition) are using e-mail, the Web, and MOOs to develop the writing skills of their students.
Before we turn our attention to our keynote speaker, Randy Bass, I would like to introduce Dr. Donald Lehman. Dr. Lehman was named GW's Vice President for Academic Affairs in August 1996. He is a noted theoretical nuclear physicist and in 1989 he received GW's Columbian College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship. He will officially welcome you all to The George Washington University, the host institution for this symposium. Dr. Lehman.
To go on to Dr. Lehman's Welcoming Remarks