The Word Processor as an Instructional Tool…….

The Word Processor as an Instructional Tool…….

Although the word processor as an instructional tool is outdated in many parts of the world, in the under-developed world, it is still a very valuable tool in writing instruction. Robert Drouns asserts that the use of this technology in the classroom can be improved by “adapting instruction to software strengths and adding metacognitive prompts to the writing program.” He further explains that before and during the writing activity, the teacher should attempt to open up the student’s “cognitive processes by stimulating (in the child) an inner dialogue that typifies self-regulated learners.”


Although current technology has surpassed the capabilities of the word processor, the author suggests that it should be understood “in context” in terms of its transformative role in classroom instruction. The author however acknowledges in a citation from Perkins that the word processor, with respect to its fairly simple functions, may be viewed as ‘first order finger tip technology’ in relation to other technologies with. (p.18) It is however in the classroom where the truth is revealed. Is it, he asks, an instructional tool, or a cognitive tool? (p.86) I believe it can be use both cognitively and for instruction. In my experience, many of my students struggle with simple sentence construction and editing techniques which require much practice to perfect. Also, many of our school based assignments are pure research projects that have to be typed up to be forwarded o the Ministry of Education which is not interested in anything but black and white legible printed products. In my classroom there will be time for the creative, interactive type activities but there will always be room for the basics. As I work with them on their SBA projects, I try to apply metacognitive techniques to help them think about how they organize their ideas. With word processing they easily move paragraphs and sentences to where they fit better. With the use of the internet in such research projects, I also use a metacognitive approach to help students think about information selection as it applies to their specific project.