Online Collaborative Writing

This book describes how Arabs and Americans utilized the online collaborative writing approaches and technologies to engage in cultural dialogues. These cultural dialogues encouraged both Arabs and Americans to play the role of peace-makers; facilitating global understanding, demystifying cultures and debunking stereotypes in a meaningful context where learners collaborate to achieve mutual understanding rather than reenact competitive argumentative discourse that is so deeply rooted in writing pedagogies. The online collaborative writing increased cultural awareness, lessened tension, corrected negative stereotypes and built bridges of communication. However, communication gaps, and cultural sensitivity limited the level of cross-cultural dialogues. Arabs developed a stronger voice, as they wrote to a live audience for a real purpose. Through this online dialogue, Americans and Arabs became more open minded about each other's cultures. They revealed the same emotions, feelings and humor. The online discussions helped them to lessen the political tension Arabs and Americans had after September 11, 2001.