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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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?
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Getting the most out of the computer classrooms