Second Posting : Computer Assisted Writing

According to my course, Language and Information Technology, this is my second posting by the title Computer Assisted Writing.

What is the meaning of computer? Computer means an electronic machine, operated under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data (input), manipulate data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output) and store the results for future use. Now, what is the definition of writing? In the Webster’s New Dictionary and Thesaurus Edition 1995, the word writing can be defined as a formal or legal document that has been set down in words. In my understanding, computer assisted writing means that the writing activities that has been done using computers either in the internet or word processor.

In this technological savvy era, if we know most of the educational studies are by using computers. There mare many computer programs such as Microsoft Word which is suitable for wring activities. In the higher educational system such as colleges and universities, most of the assignment that have been given to the students, need to be done by type them using Microsoft Word and be printed before they give it to their lecturers. This is also can be said as a writing skill by using computer. There are also some games in the internet that one can access, download and play the games that based on writing skills. Some of the games that are based on writing skills is Rosetta Stone. It is a game which is suitable for students to develop their writing skills.

There are also some other websites that all of you can choose and use to improve your writing skill via computers. Here, I have suggested some web sites for you all to view and play and do the writing activities. Below are the websites which are suitable for you to improve your writing skill:

www.manythings.com,

www.wsu.edu, and

www.homeschool.com.

Other than that, educational computing has undergone the focus on how the computer should be used especially in writing. Nowadays instead educators are realizing that the computer is a tool for handling information. A word processor can become the centerpiece for an effective writing curriculum, encouraging early language production and providing students with opportunities to connect reading and writing. When integrating advanced technology into any curriculum, the teacher must always be aware that it cannot "eliminate" problems. But with instruction and support from the teacher and peers, most students can experience success in writing through the use of a word processor. There spelling and grammar checker which has been provided in the word processor such as in Microsoft Words can help the students to check their spelling and grammar mistakes that they have done. By this the students can re-check their works and correct the mistakes that have been done by them and this can help these students to improve their vocabulary, grammar and writing skill.

In addition, we can say that computer-assisted writing courses were victims of one’s own success. That is, after many years of experience, the writing program has been seen as a new practice which consists of evaluation. The writing programs are receiving more attention from faculty because it reflected success. Evaluating the activities that has been done in the computer-assisted classrooms, to evaluate the ways in which faculty were trained and supported in their uses of technology and to evaluate the ways in which students were learning with technology.

In the other hand, one can improve their writing skill by using internet. One of the tasks that has in the internet that can improve one’s writing skill is by using the e-mail. If we see nowadays, most people have lack of communication skill because they prefer to talk or give information to others by using e-mails. A person can write anything and send it to the person they want via e-mail. But remember when e-mail a person please avoid using short forms because you can make many vocabulary, spelling or grammar mistakes when you come and do a test. If you a person who always send and reply your friends or family members, you can improve your writing skill using computer through e-mail.

In conclusion, there are many advantages of computer assisted writing for all of us including students and teachers.