My dissertation examines the theory and praxis of taking an expanded concept of the human-computer interface (HCI) and working with the resulting concept to foster a more conversational approach for online tutoring sessions and the design of the writing center websites that facilitate online tutoring. For the purposes of my research, I describe this interface as a Virtual Writing Community (VWC). I posit that my research will yield a deeper understanding of the rhetorical nature of human-designed computer interfaces in general and writing center online tutoring websites in particular, and will, at the same time, provide support and rationale for the use of virtual writing communities that utilize the space within the interface to foster a conversational approach to online tutoring, an outcome that the writing center community strongly encourages but acknowledges is difficult to achieve in online tutoring situations (Harris, Gillespie and Lerner, Carino, Hobson, Harris and Pemberton, Thomas et. al). [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]