These writers explore the benefits of synchronous audio-video-textual conferencing (AVT), arguing that it not only provides the benefits of the f2f tutorial (in that it allows for paralinguistic communication which is not present in other forms of online tutorials) but that it also takes advantage of features of the online environment, which are not present in the f2f tutorial, such as the possibilities for real-time modeling and web-based referencing. AVT is thus a viable alternative to f2f and email tutoring. These writers subscribe to the critical theory of technology advocated by Blythe that posits that writing centers need to become actively involved in designing technologies that will meet their needs. They argue that with the increased potential for mixing technologies, the critical theory of technology will become even more pertinent for given the fact that “technologies structure learning environments, learning goals, and learners,” writing center theorists and practitioners will need to determine what combinations will best suit their pedagogical aims.
These writers apply Bolter and Grusin’s “double logic of remediation” to the AVT arguing that they are both transparent and opaque. AVTs are transparent in their simulation of the f2f tutorial but opaque in that there is interaction with the hypermediated interface (dragging the mouse, closing and opening text etc.). The f2f tutorial in some ways remediates the AVT. In addition, the blurring of the line between the public and private spaces that occur in AVTs may help those students with a high degree of comfort with the technology, their space and the consultant to take greater ownership of the session. Conversely, students who are uncomfortable with any of these elements may relinquish authority in the session. In keeping with the critical theory of technology, these writers argue that AVT should not be viewed merely as a tool. Instead, they recommend that writing centers consider their resources and design their own technologies by mixing and matching various applications as they attempt to meet their needs. AVTs complicate the debate about asynchronous versus synchronous online communication. They indicate that technology is developing to a point it is possible to combine elements of both types of online conferencing as well as elements of the f2f tutorial. This underscores the increasing relevance of the critical theory of technology.
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