Cendie Stanford
[email protected]
ETEC 557
10/12/2004
ABSTRACT NUMBER 3
CITATION:
Zhang, Yuehua. (Summer 2000). Technology and the Writing Skills of Students
with Learning Disabilities. Journal of Research on Computing in Education. 32(4),
26-32.
Summary:
This article discusses the use of assistive technology for students with severe deficits in their writing abilities. The article studied 5th grade students in the Midwestern United States with learning disabilities. Writing devices were implemented into the curriculum for weekly writing activities. It noted that students with writing disabilities usually do not produce quality work. It emphasizes how computers can contribute to making learning-disabled students more competent writers. The implementation of the technology devices allowed the researchers to look at general education and special education students, and the effects of using a word processor to produce their work. The study was conducted because a fifth grade classroom teacher was concerned about meeting the needs of students with these disabilities. The article briefs the design of the study and the population studied. It also addresses particular software that was used and which particular ones showed students success. Teacher training was provided to ensure that the technology was being used in the right settings and at the right times. The author concludes that students with learning disabilities struggle the most with spelling and handwriting, this is why technology would be beneficial to these students.
Personal Reaction:
This article was very useful because of things that I experience on a daily basis with my students. I practice the use of the word processor with my students with the most severe handwriting and spelling difficulties. Using the word processor and Alpha Smart in my classroom has even motivated my students to want to do writing assignments. I actually prefer it on some assignments because it is easier for me to grade. The Alpha Smart is portable and easily accessible for my girl with cerebral palsy. She is not able to write well and this helps a lot. The author looked at many possibilities to consider before implementing technology and word processing devices into the curriculum. I agree that the use of word processor is necessary for the extreme situations.