Writing and Technology

As teachers, we have to get our students to understand that writing is one major tool in the communication process. Many of the skills that have been taught in traditional writing programs can be taught with technology, and the use of technology can also help students acquire skills that may not be readily taught with traditional methods.

For example, students need to learn critical literacy. Although this can be taught in other methodologies, students are motivated to apply thought processes when using technology. They are forced to evaluate their ideas, as well as determine which type of communication (e-mail, chat rooms, etc.) will be most effective for their purpose. The students can analyze chat rooms to evaluate what is appropriate, inappropriate, etc.

Another exciting concept with using technology in writing is that it can "level the playing field" with students. Students with physical limitations can use programs that enable them to write and communicate. As a teacher, I appreciate this possibility to be able to effectively teach all students regardless of the level of ability. The one area that causes concern for me, however, is the economic limitations placed on poorer students. We need to make sure that all students have adequate access to technology!

Publishing Students' Writing

When using the internet and software programs to publish students' writing, I appreciate the fact that revision is much easier to achieve. One problem that I have had in the past with teaching writing is the need for students to read, revise, read, revise again, etc. until the final product is of a high quality. With paper and pencil (the method I have used), students quickly become frustrated with the time that these revisions require.

With using the computer, however, multiple revisions can be achieved quickly and without rewriting the entire piece. Students can also work together in the revision process, because peer editing is a vital part of writing as well. No longer will I have to hear: "I have to write it AGAIN?"

I love the concept of an online magazine, like Amazing Kids e-zine. (One of the ones linked to this module.) Students would be extremely motivated to write excellent pieces of writing if they knew that their work would be published in an online magazine like this one. I especially appreciate this site because it presents different genres of writing and it even includes writing tips!

Blogging

Although I'm new to this concept (note the screen name :) ), I can definitely see the value of blogging to teach writing. Children can see this avenue as an "adventure" and therefore are motivated to write often. It also has the advantage of allowing the students to write to an audience that is different than their teacher.

One real concern that I have with blogging, however, involves the potential "free for all" mentality that allows students to hide behind the curtain of anonymity and write negative statements that could be damaging. The article ("Writing and Technology" by Colette Dauite)refers to this, also, and encourages teachers to always set guidelines and present "purposeful activities". We, as teachers, need to learn more about this concept so that we can help our students avoid the potential pitfalls and gain writing skills while blogging.

E-Mail and Internet Projects

There are numerous ways that the use of computers in the classroom can aid in the teaching of writing. Probably the most important aspect involves motivation; children love to work on computers! Research has shown that the use of multimedia tools does support literacy! ("Writing and Communication Techniques", Collete Daiute)

I envision students using e-mail in a recent interpretation of the "pen pal" concept (like epals). However, rather than waiting for two or three weeks for a reply, the student can expect almost immediate feedback. Also, e-mails can be used to communicate from the child to the parent. Students can "journal" in an e-mail what upcoming events need to be noted, what supplies are needed, and what concepts they are currently learning in the classroom. The students are motivated to use good writing skills and revision skills because they are writing with a real purpose and for a real audience. I appreciated the idea in "You've Got Mail" that asks students to write an e-mail to a senator or congressman to give their opinion on an issue. Children need to learn to be active in the political process.

Internet projects such as the online magazine mentioned in the reading also fosters the learning of writing skills. I love this concept of an "online magazine" because with the use of graphics and photography (including software programs), students literally can make their stories "come to life". (Note: As stated in another post, the AmazingKids e-zine is one of my favorite!) Students are encouraged to do their best writing because they know that they are writing about something important to them, they are writing with a real purpose in mind (not just to fill a journal), and they are writing to a real audience.