Examination of current research indicates caution in drawing conclusions about the benefits of the use of word processors, especially in elementary school. A variety of factors (e.g., keyboarding skill, technology aptitude, familiarity with the language of the word processor) might influence these benefits. This study focused on the effects of writing with word processors for students with varying proficiency in English.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
PeaR. D. and KurlandD. M., Toward Cognitive Technologies for Writing (Technical Report No. 30), Bank Street College of Education, Center for Children and Technology, New York, 1984.
2.
GerrardL., Computer and Basic Writers: A Critical View, in Critical Perspectives on Computers and Composition Instruction, HawisherG. E. and SelfeC. L. (eds.), Teachers College Press, New York, pp. 94–108, 1989.
3.
ReilM., The Computer Chronicles Newswire: A Functional Learning Environment for Acquiring Literacy Skills, Journal of Educational Computing Research, 1 pp. 317–337, 1985.
4.
TheismeyerJ., Should We Do What We Can?, in Critical Perspectives on Computers and Composition Instruction, HawisherG. E. and SelfeC. L. (eds.), Teachers College Press, New York, pp. 75–93, 1989.
5.
DaiuteC., Physical and Cognitive Factors in Revising: Insights from Studies with Computers, Research in the Teaching of English, 29: 2, pp. 141–159, 1986.
6.
VaccN., Word Processor Versus Handwriting: A Comparative Study of Writing Samples Produced by Mildly Mentally Handicapped Students, Exceptional Children, 54: 2, pp. 156–165, 1987.
7.
WetzelK., Critical Issues in the Teaching of Writing with a Word Processor, in Extending the Human Mind: Computers in Education. Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Summer Computer Conference at the University of Oregon, University of Oregon, Center for Advanced Technology in Education, Eugene, pp. 170–173, 1985.
8.
O'MalleyJ. M.RussoR. P.ChamotA. V., and Stewner-ManzanaresG., Applications of Learning Strategies by Students Learning English as a Second Language, in Learning and Study Strategies: Issues in Assessment, Instruction and Evaluation, WeinsteinC. E.GoeteE. T., and AlexanderP. A. (eds.), Academic Press, New York, pp. 215–231, 1988.
9.
CumminsJ., The Role of Primary Language Development in Promoting Educational Success for Language Minority Students, in Schooling and Language Minority Students: A Theoretical Framework, California State University, Evaluation, Dissemination and Assessment Center, Los Angeles, pp. 3–51, 1983.
10.
ChesterfieldR. and ChesterfieldK. B., Natural Order in Children's Use of Second Language Learning Strategies, Applied Linguistics, 6, pp. 45–59, 1985.
11.
LambertW., Cognitive and Socio-cultural Consequences of Bilingualism, Canadian Modern Language Review, 34: 3, pp. 537–547, 1976.
12.
De AvilaE. A.DuncanS. E., and UlibarriD. M., Cognitive Development, in The Mexican American Child: Language, Cognition, and Social Development, GarciaE. E. (ed.), Center for Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Tempe, Arizona, pp. 59–106, 1982.
13.
DaltonE. F., Individualized Developmental English Activities Oral Language Proficiency Test (IDEA), Ballard and Tighe, Inc., Brea, California, 1980.
14.
BridwellL. S., Revising Strategies in Twelfth Grade Students' Transactional Writing, Research in the Teaching of English, 14: 3, pp. 197–222, 1980.
BeckerH. J., Instructional Uses of School Computers: Reports from the 1985 National Survey (Issue No. 2), The Johns Hopkins University, Center for Social Organization of Schools, Baltimore, Maryland, 1986.
17.
CampbellP. and GulardoS., Computers in Education: A Question of Access, Computers in the Schools, 1: 1, pp. 57–65, 1984.
18.
GressardC. and LoydB., An Investigation of the Effects of Math Anxiety and Sex on Computer Attitudes, School Science and Mathematics, 87: 2, pp. 125–135, 1987.
19.
GagnonJ.RothJ.CarrollM.HofmannR.HaycockK.PlamondonJ.FeldmanD., and SimpsonJ., SuperANOVA: Accessible General Linear Modeling, [software], Abacus Concepts, Inc., Berkeley, California, 1989.
20.
MurrayD. M., Internal Revision: A Process of Discovery, in Research on Composing: Points of Departure, CooperC. R. and OdellL. (eds.), Urbana: National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, Illinois, p. 91, 1978.
21.
BrightG. W.HunsbergerM., and LabercaneG. D., Electronic Letter Writing between Children and Pre-service Teachers: Results, Reflections and Recommendations, Computers in the Schools, 5, pp. 285–298, 1988.
22.
McKayS., Composing in a Second Language, Newbury House, Rowley, Massachusetts, 1984.
23.
MurrayD. M., Internal Revision: A Process of Discovery, in Research on Composing: Points of Departure, CooperC. R. and OdellL. (eds.), National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, p. 91, 1978.
24.
PiagetJ., The Origin of Intelligence in Children, International Universities Press, New York, 1952.
25.
BereiterC. and ScardamaliaM., Does Learning To Write Have To Be So Difficult?, in Learning to Write: First Language/Second Language, FreedmanA.PringleI. and YaldenJ. (eds.), Longman, New York, pp. 20–33, 1983.
26.
KnappL. R., The Word Processor and the Writing Teacher, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1986.
27.
DiessnerR.RousculpE., and WalkerJ., English Fluency Via Computers at Yakima Tribal School, Journal of American Indian Education, 25: 1, pp. 17–24, 1985.