While reading the article, "Beginning to write with word processing: Integrating writing process and technology in a primary classroom," I began to think of the many positive affects technology has had on my writing instruction. Using technology motivates my students! Whether it is being in technology class, researching on the Internet, using our SMART board, typing a report, or blogging, my students are just more engaged. They usually can't wait to get the through the writing process so they can publish! In the article, the author shared several positive benefits of combining technology with writing. For example, some students actually compose faster using a keyboard, students more often want to share finished work, and students are able to help each other with spelling and typing issues, which frees up the teacher to focus on higher-level problems and questions (Gabriel & Van Leeuwen, 2007). I know in my classroom, my students are more than willing to help others as they work. When we are in the computer lab, my students are never on silence. They are quietly helping one another, asking questions, and demonstrating new skills for those struggling students. These peer conferences give the teacher more time to get around the class and help more students.
I see lots of other positive benefits that technology provides for my students' writing. I think students are able to use the tools on word-processing programs to create finished products with less mistakes. My students also do well with story organizers and maps on the computer and are willing to add more details and take more time. I love when my students have a question that I can't answer and they know how to hop over to Internet Explorer and find an answer. They are so motivated and willing to try new things! There are some challenges, like access to the computer lab, keeping everyone's attention during a demonstration, and not being able to help everyone as much as I would like, but these challenges are worth it!
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