According to the Southeast Initiatives Regional Technology in the Classroom Consortium, the observation of students while reading and writing is one of the most laborious and time-consuming tasks associated with student assessment. Technology, however, can simplify and speed up this process by allowing software -- whether it's a PDA, assessment website or software application -- to electronically document, analyze and score student work. By allowing technology to play this role in assessment, the teacher can spend more time on instruction and facilitation.
Authentic learning is the idea that realistic, complex learning experiences provide richer knowledge structures than simplified, abstract ones, and technology can play a supporting role in authentic learning by "allowing students to engage more actively in the learning experience." Because technology provides options in terms of task format, visual style and alternative media, students can self-select material that resonates more closely with their sensibilities, allowing them to connect more meaningfully with it, enhancing authenticity.
A side effect of authentic learning is increased motivation, because when a student connects with material he is then internally motivated to continue interacting with it. Reading and writing software applications and Internet activities provide games and tasks that can allow coursework to remain fresh and interesting. The bottom line is that some students just hate reading and writing; however, that same student might not mind either task if it's couched within an interesting visual, interactive technological activity.
Technology is particularly helpful for students with disabilities, and is being used as a vehicle for what is being called "universal accessibility." The idea, according to John Castellani and Tara Jeffs of the Johns Hopkins School of Education, is that "a curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and applicable to students, teachers, and parents with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts.” Websites and software programs can help facilitate accessibility for students because they can be manipulated to accommodate the students' particular needs. For example, in a reading or writing program, teachers and parents can easily adjust the appearance, text size and layout to better serve each student.