How to Use Computers to Teach College Writing

Computers have affected nearly every profession, and the ancient skill of writing information, stories and poetry is no exception. Students need to know how to write directly into forms, how to format and how to submit information electronically. They need to understand issues regarding intellectual property, how to correctly cite both traditional information resource formats and Internet formats. Modern composition requires the flexibility to produce works in many forms including a wide and often disparate variety of word and publishing programs.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer lab, a classroom equipped with computers, or equipped to accommodate laptops
  • Word processing programs
  • Publishing programs
  • Cloud computing resources
  • Internet access
  • Database access
  • Electronic gradebook/classroom software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a Grade Book/Assignment software program such as Blackboard or Moodle to post assignments, receive student responses, create discussion groups, record and report grades. Even in face-to-face classroom situations, an electronic classroom program can assist with student/teacher communication. Furthermore, a massive amount of the communication in this situation must be done by writing.

    • 2

      Assign writing to be done using a word processor. Students will learn the correct format of various types of documents and how to set them up in an electronic environment. They can also learn how to develop mailing lists, advanced forms of editing and how to insert pictures, charts and other graphics into a document. Advanced classes can learn how to structure interactive documents.

    • 3

      Take advantage of free cloud computing opportunities such as Google docs. Students can post their documents to the online database and share them with the instructor or classmates. This enables electronic commentary as well as structured group projects.

    • 4

      Research topics using online information resources. Schools frequently subscribe to services that make paper publications available in electronic format. These services usually include reputable magazines as well as peer-reviewed journals.

    • 5

      Practice electronic business communications such as email to entities outside the local business office as well as inter-office memos. Students will learn polite salutations to use when addressing supervisors or co-workers, as well as measures for security and confidentiality.

    • 6

      Introduce students to the world of online blogging, freelance writing, e-publishers and vanity publishing. Point out the advantages and pitfalls of the many types of Internet publishers.

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