Computers in the Writing Classroom

VOYA

Moeller's book explores the theory and research behind computers in the classroom, presenting opposing viewpoints on needs and advantages. The first half of the book explores current theory in depth, including constructivism, student-centered classrooms, collaborative learning, and small group instruction. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of computer-assisted writing. The second half of the book is devoted to principles of using computers in a writing classroom and suggested classroom activities. This portion includes a discussion of cheating, typing, and software, as well as specific open-ended activities dealing with sentence manipulation, punctuation, formatting, and teaching word-processing features. It has some interesting suggestions about collecting and checking students' work electronically. Although the author does not feel that expanded computer use is the answer in every subject area, he does advocate for computers as essential tools in the teaching of writing. There are some good ideas for classroom use; however, they are buried in pedagogy, which most classroom teachers will find tedious to wade through. The book contains a lengthy list of books cited, and most sentences contain citations. Technology coordinators and members of technology committees who are trying to make a case for computer use in the classroom will find useful information in this book. For teachers, more immediately usable ideas can probably be found in different sources, such as Instructor magazine or the journal In the Middle. Biblio. 2002, NCTE, 93p,
— Cindy Faughnan