Assistive technology for writing Dorian Miller

Abstract Writing is a skill learned/practiced Objective of education to teach writers –Written form of clear communication –Teach strategies and techniques –Interactive process with teacher How can software assist in the process –Learning writers –Distance learning –LD in writing

Interpretation: Stumbling blocks in writing Seeing the forest and trees Difficulty: Something to say but don’t know how –See the forest Difficulty: Know the facts but no argument –See the trees

Writing process Preprocess: Define audience & argument (seeing the forest, identify trees) Organization: Organize the trees Writing: Constructing paragraphs and sentences

Software is specialized for stages Preprocess: Don’t know of any (probably is some) Organization: Inspiration, Writers Block Writing: Word processor

Organization software

Preprocess Define audience and argument Elaborate details of argument –Going from forest to trees Techniques, Brain storming –Talk it out –Cluster webs –Free writing –Answer the “so what?”

Preprocess with help of computer Beneficial for whom? –For teaching distance learners. –Training for learning writers Interesting CS problem –Accomplish what person does by talking Possible strategy –Derive strategy to guide writer with leading question –Must be flexible to working habits of individual

Enter Writing Center Preprocess: Desire to extend service Online peer review: Submit draft & receive readers review

Suggested software Suite of tools gather information & print Print all information

Discussion

Listening to text RFBD.org Audio Tapes –4 sides, variable speed Active listening –Pre-listen for layout and overview & prediction –Gist listening: read all –Strategic listening: focus on important sections –Review listening: Review notes for test