In the past decade, theories of the social construction of knowledge have resulted in the widespread use of collaborative learning techniques. Computer technology has been in the forefront of this movement, with one result being a minor revolution in writing instruction. Specifically, communications and text sharing through both local and wide area networks has promoted collaborative learning and writing. Through networking for communication, educators can potentially alter the way writing centers are conceived. Despite the great variety of computers in writing centers, their use remains for the most part limited to keeping the student and the machine working in isolation from others. However, research indicates that writing centers as traditionally conceived cannot lay claim to the label "collaborative," but that in fact collaboration promotes the kind of critical literacy that students of the next century will need. The potential of collaboration as a primary mode of learning in writing centers and the potential of communications software to enhance collaboration can be brought together to transform writing centers. Nothing is more suitable as a supplement to face-to-face meeting with tutors than electronic mail, real-time conferencing and text sharing. By using such capabilities, members of writing groups can read and comment upon each other's work throughout the week. Finally, the Texas A&M English Department Writing Center is attempting at this time to implement a program based fully on the model described here. (HB)