Hult, Christine A. "The Computer and the Inexperienced Writer." Computers in the Composition Classroom. Eds. Michelle Sidler, Richard Morris, and Elixabeth Overman Smith. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin’s, 2008: 326-332. Print.
This article is about the ways students are using computers to write. A problem that students have had with revision is that they change out words, etc. instead of working on content issues, organization, etc. Hult argues that while the computer can make the revising process easier, students are currently having the same problem: they're not addressing larger order concerns. She cautions that the computer can't teach students how to write, but they can be useful tools for the process.
What's sad about this article is it's still the case. I have students who become almost angry with me when I make them focus on revisions other than word choice, and the fact that revision is not simply changing words around is shocking to at least half the class. It makes me wonder how they made it through all those years of school without being taught revision. This article also reiterates something I've said before: bad pedagogy is bad pedagogy whether you use technology or not. This seems to be one of the biggest issues in many of the readings we've come across so far.
What I thought was interesting about this video was it's connection to some of the other articles this week. Specifically when she suggests printing the essay out, marking it up with a red pen, and then going back to the computer.
When I co-edited the collection with Susan it got me thinking about revision pedagogy. Part of me wants to assign specific types of revision (with strategies) to students; but time becomes an issue. Humm...maybe we could brainstorm a series of revision strategies we could assign (and then have students turn in all drafts w/proof of strategies?). I like where you are going!
ReplyDelete