A RhetNet SnapShot Repl y:
Essay-a-Saurus

Paul, I'm happy to hear that you'll be trying electronic communication in your comp. classes. I don't think we should eliminate the essay with electronic conversation (as you say, your students will need to write other academic essays while they're in school), but I do believe that we should re-place it. If we are more concerned about teaching rhetorical skills and good communication practice, then the essay is not as efficient instrument as is "textual conversation." Students need both -- more of one than the other. Thanks for responding.