Chapter 5 Learning with and about Writing with Technology

Objective 2: Explain how and why students need to learn keyboard


Keyboarding should be integrated into multiple classrooms. It is not only the technology instructors’ job to educate students on keyboarding, but also the specific classroom teacher. Teachers should collaborate with the technology instructor on effective ways to integrate keyboarding into their curriculum. Learning the keyboard is an indispensable skill for students in the classroom and for their futures. Since keyboarding is the most commonly used tool for presenting information students should practice this skill from an early age. Word processing is not only a learning tool, but a communication tool that can enhance the presentation of information, as well as the student’s productivity.

My question is: Is it fair to allow students to hand-write information (i.e. a final research paper) if they do not have access to a word processor, or should it be expected that they find the means to turn in a typed paper? Basically, where do you (as a teacher) draw the line for students who may have less access to a computer than others?

Since I intend to be an English or Language Arts educator understanding how to use a word processor will be an essential skill my students will need to master. Even now, as I complete my unit plan for EDCI 320 I have incorporated the use of a word processor into many of the lessons. Word processing will help my students to develop their own language and writing skills. Examples of use are: blogs, journals, formal/informal papers, and presentations. Really, in the Language Arts environment word processing is a must!