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Technology in the Writing Class: Uses and Abuses

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Technology in the Writing Class: Uses and Abuses

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The brief, tumultuous history of computer-assisted writing research and instruction

In the 1980s, the introduction of computers in North American education generated great optimism, with tools like word processors being celebrated for their potential to improve writing. However, by the late 1980s, researchers began to highlight concerns, such as reduced planning and revision by students using computers. By the 1990s, a balanced view emerged, recognizing that while computers ease the writing process and reduce anxiety—especially for ESL learners—they cannot replace the crucial role of teachers in guiding thinking, planning, and feedback. Today, technology is seen as a permanent fixture in education, encouraging educators to integrate it thoughtfully into writing instruction.

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Research trends in computer-assisted writing instruction

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Research trends in computer-assisted writing instruction

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Research on the impact of technology on ESL writing is still limited, despite the growing use of tools like email, online discussions, and interactive exercises. While technological options have expanded, studies on their effectiveness in improving student writing remain scarce. This highlights the need for further empirical investigations to assess their influence on writing processes and outcomes.

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Pedagogical issues in computer-assisted writing instruction

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Pedagogical issues in computer-assisted writing instruction

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Research shows that while ESL writers can benefit from using word processing, these advantages depend on careful teacher preparation and guidance. Instructors must also address the challenges of other writing software, like text analyzers, and communicate potential drawbacks to students. Effective integration requires thoughtful planning to maximize these tools' impact.

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How frequently and in what ways will word processing and computer-assisted instruction be used?

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How frequently and in what ways will word processing and computer-assisted instruction be used?

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1. Class sessions are taught exclusively in a computer laboratory.

2. Class sessions are divided between traditional classrooms and computer labs, with the computer lab used regularly (e.g., once per week).

3. Class sessions are held exclusively in a conventional classroom, but students are expected to use computers (on their own time) for their writing assignments.

4. The course is taught wholly or partially online.

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Structuring instruction within the computer setting

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Structuring instruction within the computer setting

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Using computer labs for writing classes requires careful planning to maximize their benefits. While unstructured lab time allows students to write and teachers to hold conferences, it may not suit all learners' preferences or needs. Teachers should not rely solely on computers, as novice and ESL writers require instruction in writing processes and technical aspects. To optimize lab time, instructors can provide early training in software and gradually introduce activities that enhance computer writing skills, such as content generation and editing exercises. This structured approach ensures that students develop both their writing and digital literacy skills effectively.

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El profesor y los estudiantes están trabajando en la computadora ...

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-6 Discussion boards and forums: These tools are frequently utilized in hybrid and online environments.

-7 ePortfolios: These digital, multimodal versions of traditional paper-based portfolios, on which users can display artifacts representing their schoolwork, are increasingly growing in popularity.

-8 Podcasts: Users can also plan and tell stories using podcasts—digital audio files that can be shared online or through mobile apps.

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Collaboration and presentation tools

1- Blogs: Blogs are the most prevalent collaborative tools in the literature.

2- Fan sites and social media pages: Fan sites and tribute pages are also collaborative, multimodal tools in which learners can describe their favorite authors and their work, using images, music, avatars, games, and puzzles.

3- Movie-making and digital story tools: MovieMaker, iMovie, and Animoto are other very popular tools referred to in the literature.

4- Online collaborative writing and storing tools: The use of Google Docs is also frequently cited in the literature.

5- Wikis: Wikis are highly useful and user-friendly presentation and collaboration tools mentioned in the literature.

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Sociocultural Theory views learning as a social process, where human interaction and cultural context shape understanding (Vygotsky, 1978). Writing is a collaborative activity that fosters meaning-making through dialogue (Prior, 2006), and technology supports this by enabling peer feedback and interactive learning (Limbu & Markauskaite, 2015; Bikowski & Vithanage, 2016).

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Technology tools play a significant role in enhancing student engagement, motivation, and collaboration in writing instruction. Tools like blogs, social media, wikis, and digital story creation foster peer editing, sharing, and interactive learning. Additionally, ePortfolios, AWE (Automated Writing Evaluation) tools, and multimedia support such as mind maps and video annotation software contribute to multimodal learning and authentic assessment, allowing students to showcase their work more effectively.

However, challenges remain regarding technology access and teacher training. To fully harness the potential of these tools, further research is necessary to address these barriers and ensure that educators are adequately equipped to integrate these technologies into their writing instruction. The use of digital tools is essential for helping "digital natives" (Prensky, 2001) refine their writing skills and develop as proficient communicators in a technology-driven world.

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Using technology tools in writing instruction

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Using technology tools in writing instruction

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Over the first two decades of the 21st century, technology has permeated society and taken a central role in communication and collaboration practices across the globe. The growing incorporation of electronic tools in instruction has enabled a generation born into a digital world and able to speak the language of technology to become more actively engaged in a variety of classroom tasks.

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This emphasize the importance of diverse communication methods in learning. Multimodality refers to meaning-making through various modes like visuals, text, sound, and motion (Smith, 2014), while multiliteracies provides the necessary tools for engaging in these practices (New London Group, 1996; Rowsell & Walsh, 2011). Digital technologies enhance these multimodal opportunities, supporting collaborative and interactive learning, thus influencing communication and social interactions

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8,089 en la categoría «Classroom cartoon computers» de fotos e ...

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It has evolved to include not only technical skills but also cognitive and social competencies necessary for performing tasks in digital environments (Eshet-Alkalai, 2004). The integration of digital technologies into learning processes enables students to interact with new media, fostering creativity and collaboration (Edwards-Groves, 2012). To thrive in today’s participatory technological culture, learners should be exposed to various media tools, enhancing their critical thinking and communicative abilities (Jenkins et al., 2006).

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Estudiantes con elementos de aula de informática sobre fondo ...