Getting the most out of the computer classroom “The point is to make the computers disappear from view, so that using one in class or for homework is as unremarkable as using a textbook or a pencil.” Bill Thompson. 18 June 2004. How computing is changing the classroom. BBC News. 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Roland Nord The technology of writing what’s changed? – Invention (prompts) – Research – Composing (craft & comforts) – Printing – Publishing 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Composition (Eng 101) course objectives Students will be able to – demonstrate and practice strategies for idea generation, audience analysis, organization of texts, drafting, evaluation of drafts, revision, and editing; – write papers of varying lengths that demonstrate effective explanation, analysis, and argumentation; – become experienced in computer-assisted writing and research; 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Composition (Eng 101) course objectives Students will be able to – locate and evaluate material, using PALS, the Internet, and other sources; – analyze and synthesize source material, making appropriate use of paraphrase, summary, quotation, and citation conventions; – employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic writing and the professional world. 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Students Sommers, Nancy, and Laura Saltz. “The Novice as Expert: Writing the Freshman Year.” CCC 56.1 (2004): 124-149. Abstract Why do some students prosper as college writers, moving forward with their writing, while others lose interest? In this essay we explore some of the paradoxes of writing development by focusing on the central role the freshman year plays in this development. We argue that students who make the greatest gains as writers throughout college (1) initially accept their status as novices and (2) see in writing a larger purpose than fulfilling an assignment 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Students Sommers, Nancy, and Laura Saltz. “The Novice as Expert: Writing the Freshman Year.” CCC 56.1 (2004): 124-149. Abstract continued Based on the evidence of our longitudinal study, we conclude that the story of the freshman year is not one of dramatic changes on paper; it is the story of changes within the writers themselves. Beloit College’s Mindset List—2010 How tech savvy are your students? – Cell phones, text messaging, and IRC – Video games and multimedia 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms The Instructors Your writing tasks – Syllabus, exercises, assignments, comments, correspondence you are always modeling writing, revision, editing, and research for your students Your students’ writing tasks Your goals – Increase students’ research, writing, and revision – Decrease your writing, reading, and evaluation Your computer classroom 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms Technology Word processing vs. computer-assisted writing – 90/10 rule – Styles, templates, outlines, comments, track changes, document compare, forms – HTML editors Files vs. documents – Filenames – File storage: MavDisk (including MavWeb), myMSUportal, D2L, MavMail Smart boards vs. smart students – Demonstrations vs.outparticipation Getting the most of the computer classrooms 060922 Questions? 060922 Getting the most out of the computer classrooms