emilychen
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Effectiveness of Using Computers in the Writing Class
Though many educators have advocated the use of computers in the writing class to facilitate L2 students' writing development, the research shows that the effectiveness of using computers in teaching writing is not yet conclusive. As an advanced English learner, what advantages and disadvantages do you see in a computer-assisted writing class using the four different approaches mentioned above?
Note: Groups 3 and 4 are required to answer this question.
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11/17/2004, 7:32 pm
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Stacey Chen
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Group3's Reply to Using Computers in the Writing Class!!
In our group, we think that Process-based approach and Reader/audience-based approach are good approaches used in a traditional classroom, but these two approaches may not be suitable for using in computer-assisted writing class. But we think that, the other two approaches, Form-focused approach and Content-based approach are better to be used in computer-assisted writing class.
The first approach, Form-focused approach is focused on the accuracy of the smallest part in writing---grammar and sentence. Using this approach in computer, it can provide learners many kinds of simple drills and exercises in grammar, and in recognizing basic elements of well-written essays.
Besides, the Content-based Approach is also widely used in computer-assisted writing class. The World Wide Web provides large numbers of resources for us to read, such as CNN News, BBC News, Readers Digest, and Encyclopedia Britannica….and so on. Besides getting the newest information, we also can learn grammar, sentence patterns, and authentic writing patterns through reading it.
However, if learners only use the form-focused approach to practice much in grammar and sentence patterns, there would be some problems. Of course, they may learn how to correct the grammar and write sentences in exercises soon, but learning is not equal to acquisition; the learners may not know how to apply it in their writing. Therefore, our group members think that, in computer-assisted writing class, it’s better to combine these two approaches together. If so, learners can apply what they learn in grammar to real life articles, and improve writing skills soon.
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11/19/2004, 4:53 pm
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Gary Liu
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Re: Effectiveness of Using Computers in the Writing Class
For Form-focused Approach, we think that the computer-assisted teaching has more advantages than disadvantages. Because this kind of approach is focused on the grammar and the structure of discourse, it is always easier to make any changes in your text than writing on a piece of paper. And you won’t see white-outs or other disturbing marks. Also, the Microsoft Word provides grammar check, the writer can find out the flaws in the essay before turning in.
For Process-focused Approach, computer-assisted teaching also has lots of benefits. Just like my own experience of take Dr. Geary’s writing class. We were usually told to make revision for more than three times. Between each draft we get a peer feedback and a teacher’s feedback. So we improve our essay a little at a time. Through typing on the computer, it is convenient to make changes.
However, there is a little down side in Content-focused Approach. Often times before writing an essay, we go on the internet to search for information. But in many cases we just copy the text on the site and paste it on to our work. This kind of convenience creates lazy writers. And the worst situation is that sometimes they don’t even look closely into the copied text. The result will be the inconsistency of the content.
For Reader/audience-dominated Approach, we think it is a great way for the writer to communicate with the readers via computer. We used this during last semester’s writing class. We have created a discussion board, and gave feedbacks on the internet. This way, we were able to see more works of our classmates’, and give feedback whenever we feel like to.
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11/24/2004, 5:06 pm
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