Situated within the field of teaching and learning writing in English as a foreign language context, this paper proposes using digital writing environments for classroom activities to complement writing instruction. Several types of digital writing
The application of digital technology in a writing classroom and writing instruction are explored, especially in an EFL context where English language resources are limited compared to those in an ESL context. This paper first summarizes some problems that occur in teaching writing, especially for struggling writers. Second, the scope of digital writing and some more defined types of digital writing are reviewed. The paper then examines some major characteristics of digital writing. Additionally, some recommendations for using digital writing in the writing classroom are provided along with general guidelines. This paper concludes with some awareness on the use of the digital writing environment. For the purpose of this article, I draw on the understandings of writing in a different way, rejecting the traditional form of writing with the absolute formal, structured, rhetorical, and format oriented writing. Moreover, many commercial digital writing applications or websites mentioned in this paper are with regard to academic purposes only.
Digital Writing
Digital writing is becoming a standard way of life for young learners .The fact that this group of young learners views computers and technology as a part of their everyday lives, and who rapidly and abundantly consumes information in different ways from how previous generations has led to their unique learning style .Their writing, therefore, does not follow the conventions of what is considered traditional writing. Rather, it is less formal, often has conversational style, involves shorthand, is less focused on grammar and writing patterns, and sometimes features images and audio.
Types of Digital Writing
Over the past decade, increasing numbers of digital writing tools have emerged within the field of teaching writing. Three major tools are reviewed as a source for teaching writing: blogs, instant messaging and social network sites.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, digital writing offers numerous benefits to writing instruction. Yet, the impact of digital writing on learners’ learning depends on how effectively teachers integrate these Internet-based writing environments into their teaching as a supplementary activity. It proposes another channel to write English more freely. Therefore, it promotes students to use English communicatively and meaningfully. This, however, does not imply that digital writing can replace conventional, academic writing learning. however, its effectiveness lies in the way the activities are planned and carried out within the framework of the syllabus of a course. It is the teachers’ responsibility to learn how to use this environment in order to design optimal conditions for the students’ performance.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น