Online web tools are becoming an important and accessible means of supporting learning in higher education. Student writing is central to teaching and learning (Lillis, 2001). This paper describes an online tool designed to support dissertation writing. By combining three types of online spaceinstructional material, a writing space and planning templates-this tool aimed to provide a holistic approach to writing and writing development. This paper demonstrates how the tool was used in an academic course in order to address certain teaching and learning problems identified by the course tutor. Student feedback suggests that while further development is needed, the tool was still useful. This paper raises awareness of the complex array of issues involved in dissertation writing and provides insights into solutions to writing problems. While we designed what we considered to be a web-based tool for dissertation writing, we argue that the writing space and planning templates go some way towards creating an environment for the development of learning (Häkkinen, 2002).
IntroductionThe dissertation is a new type of writing task for students and places new demands on both students and staff. Without knowledge of how to approach and manage this task, dissertation writing can create anxiety and stress for each group. However, with a few basic guidelines it need not be as intimidating as students often find it (Hampson, 1994).
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