Writing and computers
Dr I Snyder
Second semester * Clayton
The subject examines the use of electronic writing technologies in the English/language arts curriculum. It also considers their use for writing in the other core areas of the curriculum. It explores the effects of the use of computers on writers, texts, and teaching and learning contexts. The subject critically reviews both the writing and the computer writing research literature. It considers how computers can be integrated effectively into the writing curriculum. Further, it encourages thinking about possible research in the area of literacy and computers. The subject provides opportunities to discuss the cognitive, cultural and social impact of computers on beginning and experienced writers. It also gives students the opportunity to use computers for a range of writing purposes including electronic journal writing and recording responses to the prescribed readings and to the experience of electronic writing. Topics include writing theory and research, computer writing research, computers and classroom culture, issues in computer-mediated writing, the establishment of an effective computer-mediated teaching and learning environment, and using computers in L2.
Assessment
Two assignments (1000 and 5000 words) * Presentation of assignments to class for discussion
Recommended texts
Handa C (ed.) Computers and community: Teaching composition in the twenty-first century Boynton Cood, 1990
Hawisher G E and Selfe C L (eds) Critical perspectives on computers and composition instruction National Council of Teachers of English, 1989
Hawisher G E and Selfe C L (eds) Evolving perspectives on computers and composition studies: Questions for the 1990s National Council of Teachers of English, 1991
Selfe C L and Hillogoss S (eds) Literacy and computers: The complications of teaching and learning with technology Modern Language Association of America, 1994