The Power of Word Processing for the Student Writer
The use of word processing has a positive effect
on student’s writing development, and this
impact is even more pronounced for struggling
writers.
Steve Graham
Why is Word Processing an Effective Writing Medium?
Each key stroke
results in a legible
letter.
Professional
Looking Formats
Easy to
Revise
Text
Work can be
produced more
quickly.
Support for the
mechanical
demands of
writing.
Use other program
features in the
writing process.
Text is portable
Efficient reviewer
feedback
Efficient reviewer
feedback
Efficient reviewer
feedback
No more lost work?
Connected to other
electronic sources
Maximizing the Advantages of Word Processing
The potential advantages of word processing
for writing are minimized and even lost if we
do not carefully set the stage for its use.
Steve Graham
Explicitly taught basic
computer operations
Explicitly taught editing
strategies.
Spell Check
Time to practice to acquire familiarity,
speed and fluidity
If a child has to hunt consciously for letters on
the keyboard, this interferes with other writing
processes. When this is the case, students have
less cognitive resources to devote to other
writing processes such as planning, monitoring,
evaluating and revising.
Steve Graham
Students should be introduced to typing in 1st
grade. By 2nd grade, students should begin
regular typing practice. By the end of 2nd or 3rd
grade, students should be able to type as fast as
they can write by hand. Instruction in typing
should be accompanied by instruction in how to
use a word processor.
Steve Graham
Beware!
Word Processing
can be a time
waster.
And finally,
Word processing is not a substitute for teaching
students the strategies skills, and knowledge
needed to be a skilled writer.
Steve Graham
Explicit teaching and practice on
how to use the editing features to
revise work – let us Practice!
My friends
Wowwy wow wow do I have a lot of friends1 Let
me tell you about them.
I have 12 friends and 2 BFFSS They like to take
pictuers,watch movies and play games. If I told
you their names I would fill the whole page
beuase altogether I have 14 friends even my
teacher is my friend.
My friends feel like family in a way.