Connection between Technology and Language Skills - Writing
Writing
in the 21st Century is much more improved than it has been in the past. As the
world develops, the old ways of doing things are abandoned whilst new methods
are adopted. There are too many technological innovations happening which
continue to make tackling complex issues easier. The world of technology has
transformed the writing profession. New technological practices make it easier
for a group of people to collaborate on various writing projects. For instance,
Google Drive
enables a group of researchers to share materials and assist one another in
solving a pertinent challenge. Moreover, tutors across the globe participate in
existing writing projects since the programs provide an avenue to do so. Other programs
are in existence which offers an opportunity for collaboration through
web-based services.
In
addition, Blog writing
is always geared towards a wider cross-section of the society. This is an
achievement as far as the learning process in various institutions is concerned.
The lecturers can assign the students an activity of coming up with a blog that
addresses a particular issue or problem within the society. The students can in
turn perform a more collaborative writing process that yields Web-ready
writing. Technological tools used in the writing process are bound to assist
younger generations in the future as the world transforms itself towards a
digital era. Furthermore, schools around the globe are using tablets as a
standard tool. This is directly affecting the writing process, and these
gadgets are offering an easy time for the students in terms of writing and
sharing of materials. The gadgets contain sophisticated programs that assist
the students in advancing their grammar, translate the writing process into
more practical use, and develop technical sharing processes. Furthermore, these
tools are assisting the students in harnessing their research skills. The
students that are more proficient in using tablets are more likely to pass
their research tests than those who aren’t.
Smart technology
adds a new dimension to traditional teaching methods which helps teachers
address many of these challenges. Tools such as screencasts
and smartboards
allow teachers to take a more “show, don’t tell” approach. This makes it easier
to explain complex topics such as a difficult maths problem or a literacy
activity because the use of visuals helps students absorb information and
understand a topic more quickly. Then, with the existing interactive technology
and devices encourage autonomy and responsibility. And, when students have more
control over their learning and decision making, they become more motivated and
invested in the learning process. Proactive, collaborative learning also moves
the teacher away from the front of the classroom and allows them to take on a
more advisory role. Moreover, apps and software programmes can be also be used
to address the individual needs of students at different stages of learning.
This is particularly beneficial at the elementary stage, where smaller schools
often combine their year levels. Younger learners are fascinated by gadgets and
devices. So, tablets, apps, software programmes and interactive tools can be
used in an educational setting to enhance their language and literacy skills
while helping teachers respond to the individual needs of each child.
Of course, the
technology works well for older students too. Wireless and cloud technology,
for instance, gives them access to the most up-to-date information and data at
the touch of a button.
Over
the years, technology has significantly changed the way we communicate. Writing
a letter and even typing out an e-mail are becoming a thing of the past, as is,
it would seem, talking on the phone and even at times, face-to-face
conversation, as technology provides us with innovative ways to communicate
with each other. Technology is growing and adapting extremely quickly. It
wasn’t actually that long ago when we would write a letter to loved ones abroad
(as the phone bill would be astronomical!), or would speak to friends on our
home phone to organise meeting up, as we couldn’t communicate once we had left
the house.
Although
iPad problems
can put a stop to this flow of conversation in a way that putting pen to paper
can’t, the introduction of smartphones and tablets, and the advancements that
have quickly come with them, makes the need to write a letter seem extremely
old fashioned. Not only can we now talk and text on the move, we can Whatsapp,
Snapchat, write on walls, tweet, Facetime – the possibilities for communication
are endless. But as this 24/7 instant communication via technology allows us to
talk to each other more, it also means we are interacting with each other less.
As a result we aren’t learning communication skills, which means kids may
struggle as they get older. A lack of vocabulary, which has come about through
‘teenspeak’ such as LOL and BRB – is diminishing even further since they have
been able to communicate simply with photos or emojis. Once upon a time we had
to type out our feelings; today we express how we feel by inserting a *smiley face*.
As
technology has allowed us alternative means of communication it has also
changed the way we interact face-to-face in social situations, such as when we
sit with friends and rather than speak to each other we are on our phones,
scrolling through social media to see what all our other ‘friends’ are up to. However,
it would appear that teenagers are now more confident talking to each other via their smartphones,
over text or social media, than traditional face-to-face conversations.
Research found that young people felt having a mobile phone made them closer to
their friends, with 89% saying it improved their friendship.
There
are a number of student websites your child can use in class as well as home
for their assignments and homework. Apart from allowing students to use them,
most of these sites allow students to interact with others further enhancing
their writing experience.
1. Boom Writer
This
is another popular kid writing website. It allows your kids to not only develop
and enhance their writing skills, but also helps them develop their vocabulary,
reading prowess and peer assessment. The website is designed for kids and as
such, most likely to attract them. In addition to the kid’s resources, the
website has resources for books, educators and games for kids. You can visit
the website whose address is boomwriter.com.
If you are looking for a website where your kids can write stories, handle
projects with classmates, and then this is the right website for you.
2. Edublogs
This
is another website that allows your kids to get into blogging at an early
stage. Your child can basically start a blog on their own to write about what
interests them. Children can also share their blogs with other students,
subsequently developing their writing skills. The website ID is here: http://edublogs.org/.
3. Story Jumper
This
website allows your child to write their stories. It is a fun website because
the character is someone kids love- story bird. You can visit the website here:
http://www.storyjumper.com/.
4. BBC’s Typing Tutor
If
your kids spend hours at the computer, you could potentially make them do
something beneficial like visit the BBC’s typing tutor website to help them
become better writers. The writing websites for kids we are talking about here
is http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z3c6tfr.
The
internet is a rich resource your kids can use to become better creative
writers, bloggers, fiction writers and so much more. The websites we have added
on this list are either maiden websites where your kids will write directly;
while some have aggregate resources your kids need to become better writers.
Find one or two writing websites for kids to introduce to your child today.
"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn."
--Anne Frank
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