I used to dislike writing. I was one of those kids who would rather do anything that write a paragraph, only to have it edited, revised and rewritten. It was simply drudgery. Last night and today I was reminded why.
In our communications module for my District Leadership program we were asked to write many pieces, including press releases, bulletins, editorials, letters, etc – all part of the administrative role of a school today. However, the kicker was that we were given pen and paper to do it with. We weren’t told that we couldn’t use our laptops, but with everyone else on fibre, and no expressed invitation to use new tools, I felt I had to give the more traditional “writing” a try.
It wasn’t fun! I had hand cramps, I had trouble composing text and ideas, scratched out much. I hadn’t realized just how different the writing process is in a digital environment.
I am a poster child for the role technology can play in encouraging literacy. Results from many studies – not to mention my own personal observations as a teacher in a 1:1 program – have pointed to the increased willingness (if not ambition) to write by teenagers, particularly boys.
Technology, particularly web tools, has given me an increased interest in writing. First of all, it’s easier to compose, edit and publish. Red pen doesn’t mean “rewrite”. I write more, take chances and enjoy the process.
Secondly, I can reach an authentic audience. It’s about meaning. Whether it’s about technology and learning, softball, sports officiating or any of my other interests, I can reach an audience that stretches far beyond a teacher or my classmates -someone whose role apparently is only to assign it a mark. This authenticity is the key.
Having this understanding gives me empathy with our young people. At home and at play, they write and create in a digital environment. At school – all too often – they are stuck in traditional, structured and less inviting methods of content creation.
Yet, we expect them to enjoy (or at least tolerate) it? I didn’t.
tags: technology, education, whipple
Photo Credit; Pen And Paper Macro, Originally uploaded to Flickr by Janice LeBlanc, used with permission.
I think that empathy you feel will go a long way to helping your students, Jeff. The authenticity of writing and finding an audience seems like such a key thing, to me.
Kevin
Hi Jeff, Have awarded you the thinking bloggers award and you can read all about it on my post http://murcha.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/thinking-blogger-award/ Thanks for sharing with me.
I totally agree with your post. As a sixth grade language arts teacher, in a room with a computer for every student, I witness daily what you describe. All students are much more likely to become writers when we supply the tools they are comfortable with, and use in their daily lives.