Computers + Pedagogy

McKenzie, Jamie. Inspired Writing and Inquiry. FNO.org From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal. 15(2), December 2005.

Miscellaneous Entry

Summary
This article explores the symbiotic relationship between literacy and computers. According to research, national writing has improved little since the arrival of computers and laptops because programs such as Inspiration and others that strengthen the generation of ideas through writing have been largely ignored by the general population, and the educational system. McKenzie believes strongly that American writing would improve if we capitalized on the wealth of technology that surrounds us. Suggesting that explicit instruction on computer programs, typing, brainstorming, revising, etc (virtually all aspects of the writing process) are needed in todays educational system, the author suggests that student performance will improve as teaching methods begin to embrace technology in the classroom.

Reaction
Computers don't make writers better. A blank computer screen is equally as intimidating to a novice writer as a blank sheet of notebook paper, so I like McKenzie's suggestion that teaching methods must improve if we expect student writing to improve. Just as much of the writing process is "invisible" to students unless we lead them through it, so too are many benefits of technology. I frequently surf the Internet and blog sites when brainstorming ideas for a paper. Programs such as Microsoft Publisher and even Microsoft Word hold much potential for aiding the writing process, but rarely do you see this instruction take place in school. I can only imagine that figuring out ways to make computers more useful to students for homework and studying purposes can aid all teachers. Students are already incredibly computer-literate; they can build websites, create imovies and regularly download music. If we can figure out a way to help students use their computer literacy for educational purposes by tapping into and expanding this prior knowledge, the potential benefits are limitless!