Computer as a teaching/ learning tool

 Computer as a teaching/ learning tool

Although at first it might sound daunting to teach students ESL writing using computers, it apparently is an effective way if used wisely.

Let's take a moment to see what computer assisted teaching is.

A word processor

 A word processor is the modern version of paper, pen, typewriter, eraser, dictionary and thesaurus… all in one.

Some examples of word processing programs include Microsoft Word, Word Perfect (Windows only), Apple Works (Mac only), and Open Office.org.

 

 Effect on Writing Process 

 

1.Planning - smart art graphic tool as an outliner

2. Drafting / composing- text editor tool– note-taking - annotation-devices

3. Revising - Post writing tools – spell checker, dictionary look up, grammar checker 

1. Text Editor 

A type of program used for editing text files. As with word processors, text editors will provide a way to

•undo and redo the last edit

•text formatting

•copy, paste, cut,

•automatic tabulation

•replacing text automatically

•comment

 Theoretical Background

 

•Drawing on interactionist Second Language Acquisition theory and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research, Chapelle (1999) suggests that types of interactions in CALL may be beneficial for language development if they focus learners’ attention on input form, and allow self-correction.

Noticing hypothesis -Schmidt (1990)

•Noticing hypothesis claims that conscious awareness (noticing) of grammar plays an important role in the L2 acquisition process. According to empirical research CALL has supported this hypothesis.

 Zone of Proximal Development Vygotsky- 1978

 It is defined as the zone between what students can already accomplish on their own and what they can accomplish with appropriate help.

-The implementation of this concept in terms of computer-assisted writing instruction, is the help that computers provide to students in learning and carrying out the writing process. 

 Advantageous and Disadvantageous of CAI (computer assisted instructions)

Teacher - Benefits

Easy to read, easy to edit, can easily get the error statistics, time saving

Student - Benefits

Writing becomes Interesting & enjoyable, reduces writing anxiety, easy to revise, gives high text quality. 

Teacher - drawbacks

 Reduces communication between students and teacher

Student - drawbacks

Anxiety to use the software

Limited typing/word processing abilities

Focus on surface feature of texts