Writing and Technology

Technology has taken writing to a new height. One of the biggest changes I see is within the writing process. My students are eager and inspired when it is time to write. Their creativity is higher than ever. As I compare the writing process utilizing technology to the writing process using standard paper and pencil, my students and I have came across some advanyages. First, my students can spend more of their valuable time composing their writing piece instead of worrying about their handwriting. This is especially nice for those who have poor penmanship. Second, their language skills improve through the editing and revision steps because their are sites available on computers to boost their vocabulary and check their spelling. Lastly, my students actually feel like they get to publish their work. Before, publishing their work in my classroom was typing out their story and illustrating it. Now, they can add elements to their final product that adds more creativity, personality, and diversity.

Although technolgy has opened brand new doors, I still feel that it is important for students to occasionally write using the standard paper and pencil. There are times, ISTEP, when it is a necessity.