Voice-Feedback as a Scaffold for Writing: A Comparative Study

1987 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Lehrer ◽  
Barbara B. Levin ◽  
Paula Dehart ◽  
Michelle Comeaux
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Writing Instruction ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Word Processor ◽  
Kindergarten Children ◽  
Metacognitive Awareness ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Preschool Literacy ◽  
Based Instruction

Fifteen preschool and kindergarten children were assigned randomly to one of three conditions of writing instruction: paper and pencil, word processor, and word processor with voice-aided feedback. All children received identical, language-based instruction in writing from each of three instructors for twelve weeks, twice each week. Instructors were rotated among conditions, so each instructor taught each group for four weeks. Results suggested that voice-aided word processing acted as a scaffold for young children's composition by promoting the acquisition of several components of preschool literacy including symbol-sound and sound-symbol associations, and metacognitive awareness of the purposes and processes of writing.

The Word Processor as an Instructional Tool: A Meta-Analysis of Word Processing in Writing Instruction

1993 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Bangert-Drowns
Keyword(s):  
Writing Instruction ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Word Processor ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Educational Benefits ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Metacognitive Prompts ◽  
Attitudes Toward Writing

Word processing in writing instruction may provide lasting educational benefits to users because it encourages a fluid conceptualization of text and frees the writer from mechanical concerns. This meta-analysis reviews 32 studies that compared two groups of students receiving identical writing instruction but allowed only one group to use word processing for writing assignments. Word processing groups, especially weaker writers, improved the quality of their writing. Word processing students wrote longer documents but did not have more positive attitudes toward writing. More effective uses of word processing as an instructional tool might include adapting instruction to software strengths and adding metacognitive prompts to the writing program.

Statistical Packages for Personal Computers

1983 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 182-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Grafton ◽  
Anne Permaloff
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Word Processor ◽  
Personal Computers ◽  
Computer Center ◽  
Price Range ◽  
Personal Computer Software ◽  
Computer Word

An impressive number of reasonably priced personal computer software packages of interest to political scientists are now on the market. Owners of computers such as the TRS-80 Model III and the Apple II can purchase software for word processing and statistical analysis which can substantially increase their productivity. Scholars trying to meet publication deadlines need no longer be delayed by harried secretaries trying single-handedly to meet the needs of an entire department. A computer/word processor used by a typist of average ability is nearly the equal of a good professional secretary. And those with even fairly large statistical analysis requirements may no longer be tied to the university's hectic “computer center” where they must wait in line for terminals, try to think amid constant movement and never-ending conversation, or suffer errors produced by noise injected between their terminal and the main frame along telephone lines.This is an analysis of statistical packages sold by four companies for use on a variety of low, moderate, and high priced personal computers. Our focus on these packages reflects our statistical needs for research and teaching. We were looking for programs capable of handling relatively large data bases and with the capacity to perform multiple regression and time series analyses. We needed a program that could be used to analyze data generated from small survey samples. This required both frequency distribution and contingency table development and analysis. Finally, we needed a program or programs in an affordable price range.

Knowledge Acquisition and Technology-Supported Projects in the Social Studies for Students with Learning Disabilities

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia M. Okolo ◽  
Ralph P. Ferretti
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Social Studies ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Revolutionary War ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Based Instruction

All citizens are expected to participate in the processes of democratic decision making in the postschool years, and the goals of social studies education have long included the preparation of an informed citizenry. However, surveys show that social studies instruction is often not provided for students with disabilities, and those that receive instruction do poorly compared to their nondisabled peers. Students' poor performance is exacerbated by the reliance on “inconsiderate” textbooks that are often poorly organized, lacking in content, and devoid of important background information. Project-based instruction is an alternative to the exclusive reliance on textbook-based instruction in the social studies. Students investigate a problem or question and develop artifacts based on these investigations. In this study, students with learning disabilities, working under two different conditions, developed projects about factors that precipitated the American Revolutionary War. Students in both conditions worked cooperatively to learn about some aspect of the Revolutionary War, and they then contributed to the construction and presentation of a group report about the topic. However, students in one group had access to word processing tools, and the other had access to word processing and multimedia presentation tools in developing their projects. Analyses of students' knowledge revealed a substantial improvement in both conditions after the completion of the projects.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document