Writing+Process

//BYTE Conference - Feb. 2011//
 * // The Fusion of Technology and the Writing Process //**

This document will focus on the writing process and the use of a word processor such as Microsoft Word. Steps are outlined along with the integration of technology. It does not attempt to be an all-inclusive document and therefore please feel free to expand where necessary. It is understood that different schools and classes have varied degrees of access to technology. Under ideal conditions, the teacher and students will have access to technology from the pre-writing stage to the published copy. This document should be transferable for all writing assignments from essays and poetry to ???
 * Index**
 * 1) **Why?**


 * 1) **Stage One: Introducing and exploring the topic**


 * 1) **Stage Two: Generate ideas and focus thought processes**


 * 1) **Stage Three: Rough Draft**
 * 2) **Revision process**


 * 1) **Rough Draft 2**


 * 1) **Publish**

v No other tool in a teacher's arsenal can be as an effective tool for facilitating the writing process as a computer. v ** Allows for real time teacher involvement in the writing process. **  v ** For and As Learning Assessment ** v Facilitates editing (self, peer, teacher) for the purpose of draft revisions. v Develops student skills for the digital world. v We can ensure better outcomes if we pay more attention to the processes.
 * Why?**

Use[| MINDMEISTER] or [|MYWEBSPIRATION] or Inspiration for organizing thoughts concepts and ideas //The teachers main goal is to generate interest in the topic by exposing the students to an as a wide of variety of stimuli as possible.// //The student should be starting to think about who their audience will be.// C) Stage Two: Generate ideas and focus thought processes Prior to starting the rough draft, students must make decisions in regard to: v Form- Form is a term which refers to the recognizable shape of a text or a speech act   v Function - Function is the term used to express the purpose of a text or of a speech act   v Audience- Audience is a term used to refer to the reader of a text, or the listener to what we say.   v Tone- In a general sense, 'tone' is the attitude of the speaker or writer as revealed in the choice of vocabulary or the intonation of speech.   v Style - Style is a particular set of characteristics in the use of language. Here the student takes their outline or web and actually starts their rough draft. It is important that the student double spaces his or her work. At this stage, they do not worry about order, as word blocks are easy to manipulate on the computer. Nor does the student concern himself or herself with spelling or punctuation, they can check for mistakes later. The student focuses on catching their audience’s attention with a strong lead. The student should try to show or paint a visual picture, not just tell a story. Once the rough draft has been typed and spell checked using the word processor, the student is ready to move into the revision stage. Using the following revision checklist, the students revise his/her writing. If possible, the teacher should try to conference with the student while he or she is at the computer. Real time teacher interaction with the writing process is the most important “THING" that technology allows a teacher to do. At this stage the students pays most attention to content. Revision Checklist: v Does my lead sentence grab the reader’s attention?   v Is my main idea and purpose clear?   v Is the ending strong?   v Are the ideas in a logical order?   v Is every idea supported with details?   v Do my language and content suit the audience?   v Have I kept the same tone throughout?   v Is there any unnecessary repetition? The student has made the necessary improvements from the revision process. Here the student fine-tunes the rough draft by checking for errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling. When he/she checks for errors it is best accomplished if he/she checks for one kind of error at a time. It is also beneficial to have a peer check (Track Changes) for errors at this time as well. The following checklist may be helpful: v Are the sentences clear? v Do the verbs agree with the subjects? v Are the sentences complete? v Are words spelled correctly? v Are the sentences punctuated correctly? v Are capitals used correctly? v Are comas, quotations, colons, and semi-colons used correctly?
 * B) The Writing Process - Stage One: Introducing and exploring the topic**
 * Research/resource material may be electronic or paper based
 * Here the teacher uses a variety of activities to generate interest in a topic:**
 * v [|On-line Graphical Dictionary] **
 * v Wiki web site for information / story starters… etc. **
 * v Class discussion, **
 * v Visit or field trip, **
 * v Visitor in the classroom, **
 * v Various print resources, **
 * v Movies and /or video format information, **
 * v Audio tapes or cd, **
 * v Internet, **
 * v Electronic media CD-ROMs, broadcast T.V. **
 * v Interviews **
 * v Can be teacher directed **
 * v Can be teacher directed **
 * Here the teacher assists the students through a variety of pre writing activities that are designed to jump start the thinking processes. There are a number of activities that accomplish this goal, but it is important to focus on only one or two strategies at a time. It is also important that the teachers model the strategy**. Do not assume that the student knows how to do what is expected of them.** These activities are listed in chronological order since they have an effect on the scope and sequence on the writing process.
 * 1) Brain-storming - Brainstorming is a small or large group activity. It is very effective in generating ideas, because no idea is scratched or disregarded no matter how extreme or off topic, it seems. It is best used as a lead up to pre-writing, webbing and /or outlining
 * 2) Free writing-Here the student writes freely about the topic/experiences. He /she do not pay any attention to grammar, etc. The focus is putting his/her thoughts down on paper. Inspiration is a great tool for encouraging students to be random thought generators.
 * 3) Story Starters- The teacher facilitates discussions which helps the students generates ideas for the assignment. The teacher gives the students the opening sentence. i.e. As I was walking through the woods......, I spotted ......., It was a cold January day ........
 * 4) **//Webbing - Webbing is probably the teachers and students most useful pre-writing technique. It allows you to focus your ideas in an orderly fashion, or to promote the generation of new ideas. Webbing involves the selection of a key phrase or idea that is placed in a center circle. The center circle is surrounded by words related to the topic. These words are circled and connected to the main circle using lines.//** **Using [| MINDMEISTER] or [|MYWEBSPIRATION] or Inspiration, will really help this part of the process//.//**
 * 5) Outlines - Outlining gives a scope and sequence of the writing project from introduction to conclusion. This technique is beneficial is developing a class generated outline. This outline can be distributed to the students using your network.
 * *** Closure - Closure allows a teacher to focus on key words and concepts. In addition, it helps students with sequencing their thought processes. Closure is a very useful tool if applied to an outline.***
 * D) Stage Three: Rough Draft**
 * Revision:**
 * //STUDENT FINISHES THEIR ROUGH DRAFT………………..//**
 * E) Rough Draft 2**

Here the student makes the necessary revisions and publishes his/her document. Have students include a title page. The title page should include the following: v The title of the report/story/article v The students name, class, grade v The date
 * F) Publish**