The writing process can be either
enhanced or hindered by the use of technology, depending upon the instructor. A recent study, found in this scholarly article, showed that the role of the teacher is the most critical factor in
determining how effective technology can be in moving through the writing
process. Students with poor keyboarding
and word processing skills had a harder time focusing on writing tasks and
struggled through work when using technology.
However, as the teacher in the study worked in flexible mini-lessons on
the use of technology during her writing lessons, students had large amounts of
success in using technology during the writing process. Also, in this article from Education Week,
the author states that, “Tech-savvy teachers tend to agree that digital writing differs from
conventional composition in ways that can spur student engagement and
creativity.” If we can “up” the level of
engagement in our students when it comes to writing, we’ve already won an
enormous battle!
Allowing
students to publish their writing online is a very unique opportunity when used
effectively. This allows students to
share work that they are proud of as well as read their peers’ writing
selection. However, I think it is
essential that teachers take this step with care. Be sure that each student feels confident
about the work being published and do not allow others to criticize the
writing. Publishing is the final step of
the writing process and should be treated as a celebration of work, not a time
to revise and edit. This is why it is
essential that each student feels proud of the finished product that is being
published. A great site for publishing
student writing is Cyberkids.
The
use of blogs, both by teachers and by students is another excellent way to open
the lines of communication. I use my teaching blog to connect to other
teachers and share ideas. However, I
could also use this blog to keep parents informed on up-to-date information about
our classroom. I think that students can
use blogs to communicate ideas about literature in a very meaningful way. The “relaxed” atmosphere of a blog really
allows students to let their thoughts “flow” without so much formality found in
traditional writing. I think that this
article really hit the “nail on the head” when it discussed the importance of
teaching our students HOW to read and interpret blogs so that maximum learning
is achieved. I can’t help but quote the following paragraph, as it really
outlines the importance of reading when it comes to blogging:
“Blogging is about writing, but it begins with reading. Teachers
recognize that in order to teach about blogs, they have to read good blogs.
Most want to jump immediately in and have their students start blogging, sit
back and expect students to write quality blogs. It won’t happen. Teachers need
to take time in reading other blogs, before they expect to be able to lead
their students in quality blogging.”
