Considerations on the Use of Technology

in Teaching Writing

    "The question we need to ask is 'What do we want to accomplish in our courses, and can technology advance our teaching goals?' rather than, 'What can we do with technology?'" (Creed 1996)
     
  1. Does the activity using technology substitute for an activity I would normally use? example
  2. If so, does it allow my students and I to complete that activity in a more satisfactory manner? How? example
  3. Do the potential problems outweigh the advantages of using the technology? example

    4.  

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


     
     
     

    Does the activity using technology substitute for an activity I would normally use?
    Low Tech Activity:Brainstorm in small groups
    High Tech Activity: Use text chat to brainstorm
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


     
     
     
     
     
     

    If so, does it allow my students to complete that activity in a more satisfactory manner? How?
     
    Advantages
    Disadvantages
    Students who don't usually  speak up (reflective learners) orally may take an equal part in the discussion through text Slow or novice typists are penalized; their expression is limited by the effort it takes to use the keyboard
    Teacher can monitor brainstorming sessions by saving the text: useful for keeping students on topic and making sure they stay in the target language Diagramming (mind mapping, for example)  or sketching is not possible in the chat window (other software maybe employed, however, such as Netscape Conference's Whiteboard)
    Students can easily save ideas in text form for reporting or recording the group's ideas Limited in terms of social embeddedness: body language, facial expressions, gestures 
    Students are highly motivated to take part in the text chat; their participation level can be visually assessed and remarked on by themselves, their peers or their teacher
    Visual presentation of peer interlanguge may be more easily understood than oral presentation 

     
     


     
     
     
     
     

    Do the potential problems outweigh the advantages of using the technology?
        In this case, I feel that text chat-brainstorming does help me to meet my goals of learner-centeredness and encouragement of varied learning styles in the writing course, so I will use it.
     
     

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