Composing Written Material
Composing written material is a complex process that involves both the physical mechanics of handwriting and the cognitive component of organizing, creating, or composing written material.
There are 5 steps of the writing process:
1. Prewriting- This is the first stage and is the planning process. Students think about ideas and takes place before the writing begins.
2. Drafting- In this stage, the writer begins to express their ideas on paper by writing sentences and forming paragraphs.
3. Reviewing- Students read what they have write and begin to think on how to revise it.
4. Editing- Students read through their writing and correct any grammatical errors, re organize their writing or reword sentences.
5. Publishing- Students rewrite their work with all the corrections they made in the previous steps.
There are 5 steps of the writing process:
1. Prewriting- This is the first stage and is the planning process. Students think about ideas and takes place before the writing begins.
2. Drafting- In this stage, the writer begins to express their ideas on paper by writing sentences and forming paragraphs.
3. Reviewing- Students read what they have write and begin to think on how to revise it.
4. Editing- Students read through their writing and correct any grammatical errors, re organize their writing or reword sentences.
5. Publishing- Students rewrite their work with all the corrections they made in the previous steps.
Low technology composing tools
Tool 1: Graphic organizers- are great low technology tools that help the student brainstorm and get their ideas down on paper. Students do not have to write in full sentences, They are meant for the students to get their ideas down and organize their thoughts. Graphic organizers come in a variety of forms and deciding which one to use, depends on the student and what they are writing about. It could take a few times before finding the correct one of the student.
Tool 2: Highlighting Pens/ Tape is a great low technology tool that could be used to help organize a students thoughts. This is a great tool to use when during the editing and revision process of writing. The students can highlight mistakes or highlight key elements within their writing. They could use different colors and highlight the topic sentence and main idea within their writing. These tools could be utilized in multiple ways depending upon the type of writing and the needs of the student.
Medium Technology Tools
Tool 1: A recorder is a good example of a medium technology device. It allows students to say and record what their ideas and what they want to say within their writing. This allows someone who struggles with writing a different way to express their thoughts and the student can listen to it at any time. It also lets them record their thoughts no matter where they are located. A student could think of an idea or way to change their writing, at any time and they need a quick way to get record their thoughts. This device does not require any training and is pretty cheap. You can find one online or in most electronic stores.
Tool 2: Portable Talking Spell Checker- is a talking dictionary and spell corrector. Students can say the word and the correct spelling appears on the screen. This is a great tool for students who have difficulty spelling. It could take a while for student to look up the word especially if they are unsure of the spelling. They could have difficulty finding it if they trouble with the first few letters. It does not require a lot of training and could be a great tool depending upon the student's needs and the class.
High Technology Tools
Tool 1: Word Prediction Programs are a great tool to use to help the student write down their thoughts and to write. The software predicts what the student is trying to type and what the next word in their sentence is going to be. It reduces the amount of time, energy and keystrokes needed to type out their story. This software may require some training and time to get use to. There are a variety of programs on the computer and tablet that utilize this technology.
Tool 2: Proofreading Software Program- Most computers and tablets utilize proofreading and it can be a simple way for a student to edit their paper. This software is used in Microsoft word and is a great tool for students who struggle with spelling and correct usage of words. This tool requires the use of a tablet or computer and access to Microsoft office or another proofreading software program. It will require some training if the user and teacher are unfamiliar with that aspect of Microsoft word.
Resources/ Links
Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Petroff, Jerry G., (2012) Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
http://bowenpeters.weebly.com/uploads/8/1/1/9/8119969/writing_process_detailed.pdf
http://donjohnston.com/cowriter/#.VIwn1IvF9SR
http://bowenpeters.weebly.com/uploads/8/1/1/9/8119969/writing_process_detailed.pdf
http://donjohnston.com/cowriter/#.VIwn1IvF9SR