Using Microcomputers for College Writing [electronic resource] : What Students Say / Paula R. Feldman.
Course evaluations of a business writing class that used the IBM personal computer with WordStar word processing software revealed students' enthusiasm for the microcomputer's word processing capabilities. A number of students commented on how much the computer simplified the processes of...
Saved in:
| Online Access: |
Full Text (via ERIC) |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[S.l.] :
Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1984.
|
| Subjects: |
| Summary: | Course evaluations of a business writing class that used the IBM personal computer with WordStar word processing software revealed students' enthusiasm for the microcomputer's word processing capabilities. A number of students commented on how much the computer simplified the processes of composing, revising, and editing. In addition to the speed and relative effortlessness of making corrections, word processing also made writing seem less messy and more efficient. Several students noted the microcomputer made them feel more relaxed about writing and more willing to take risks. Some students noticed that using the computer had an effect on their writing style. Almost immediately their writing became less stilted and labored and more conversational. Almost all of the students said they found themselves more willing to revise and edit their compositions on the computer than they had been before the course using conventional writing methods. One of the complaints mentioned involved the extra time required to complete an assignment. Others complained about the time restrictions on the computers--having to use them in the lab and only at certain designated hours. Despite these inconveniences, however, the students clearly felt the experience with word processing was worthwhile and many thought word processing should remain in the course. (HOD) |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED244298. ERIC Note: Paper presented at the Spring Conference of the Delaware Valley Writing Council and Villanova University's English Department (Villanova, PA, February 25, 1984). Educational level discussed: Higher Education. |
| Physical Description: | 11 p. |