Out of the closet and into the network: Sexual orientation and the computerized classroom

摘要: Abstract This essay examines ways that issues of sexual orientation can successfully be taught in the computer-assisted composition classroom. Beginning with Michel Foucault's understanding sexuality our culture is configured as identity, asks how both gay and straight students benefit from online networked discussions orientation. Benefits for con tremendous, they are allowed voice (even if mediated through pseudonymous participation), but will often wonder at relevancy their own lives, preferring instead to think homosexuality something strange alien and, thus, failing realize social implications heterosexuality well nature all In thinking about explore such safely effectively, writer suggests computerized learning spaces offer possibilities open discussion not available conventional classrooms. The Internet, World Wide Web, synchronous conferencing software, staple features many classrooms, provide powerful tools which probe relevance students' whether lesbian, bisexual, gay, or straight.