| Technology and Attitudes toward Writing |
| Current research states that computers and the use of technology can positively affect a student's attitude toward writing. A
2009 study by the National Literacy Trust found that writing is more fun when students can choose the topics and computers
allow them to be more creative, make them write more, and make them write more often. |
| Computers and the Writing Process |
| Extensive research indicates that using computers in the writing process can improve a student's writing skills. According to
Macarthur (1988), computers are dynamic tools for writing, provide a wide range of opportunities for improving writing
instruction, and facilitate collaborative writing projects and sharing of works in progress. |
| Peer Evaluation |
| Research demonstrates that teacher and peer evaluation are effective strategies for improving writing skills. In a 2010
study by the British Journal of Educational Technology, peer review helped foster interaction, was adopted more often, and
led to greater improvement in writing. When compared to automated assessment systems, students consider computerized
feedback too general for them to make revisions. Further, students regarded peers more of a real audience than computers
and found that interactive social learning and increasing awareness of audience were benefits of peer reviews. |
| Formative and Summative Assessment |
| Formative and summative assessments are both integral parts of knowledge acquisition. In the book Rethinking Education in
the Age of Technology, Colins and Halverson (2009) state that ongoing, formative encouragement or critique provides
feedback to guide the learner through tasks. Summative assessments give learners feedback on whether the task is successfully
completed. MyWritingWizard.com allows a teacher to provide both formative and summative assessments for students. |
| Differentiated Instruction |
| According to a 2007 study by the International Society for Technology in Education, technology is a highly motivating, interactive
tool, and both differentiated instruction and technology tools are important for 21st-century education. |
