Motor Aspects of Writing
What is writing?
The most simple definition is simply producing text by pen on a paper. "Writing is also a complex problem-solving activity that involves thinking, planning, and decision making, in addition to the mechanics of transcription" (Dell, 2011). Flower and Hayes (1981) "characterize the act of writing as consisting of three major elements: the task environment, the writer’s long-term memory, and the writing process itself."
The most simple definition is simply producing text by pen on a paper. "Writing is also a complex problem-solving activity that involves thinking, planning, and decision making, in addition to the mechanics of transcription" (Dell, 2011). Flower and Hayes (1981) "characterize the act of writing as consisting of three major elements: the task environment, the writer’s long-term memory, and the writing process itself."
Low Tech
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These devices use no electronic components and can be inexpensive.
Examples of classroom low tech devices for writing:
Examples of classroom low tech devices for writing:
- Pencil Grips - Very cheap tool and can be bought in many stores. The grips are perfect for children who can not hold a pencil correctly or have sloppy handwriting.
- Wikki Stix - This tool can be used for many things and many grades. Teachers in the elementary school level can use wiki stix to help their students trace letters, numbers, shapes, etc.
Mid Tech
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In between sophisticated high tech and non-electronic low tech devices are items classified as mid tech devices.
They are electronic but less expensive than the high tech devices.
Examples in the classroom of mid tech devices:
They are electronic but less expensive than the high tech devices.
Examples in the classroom of mid tech devices:
- Neo 2 - This device is a word processor. It is very lightweight and battery operated. It can be customized for the child's needs, such as larger font size, or text to speech features.
- Franklin Children's Talking Dictionary - portable electronic dictionary for children. It is battery operated that speaks as the keys are pressed. Has customization options such as personal letter, vocab, or definition lists.
High Tech
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This type of device is based on computer technology and can be expensive.
Examples in the classroom of high tech devices:
Examples in the classroom of high tech devices:
- Laptop - All computers have a basic text edit program. There are Word Processing software’s to add to the computers for a price. This high-tech tool is a great way for students whose handwriting is not clear. Also, you can edit the text into different fonts, colors, spacing, bold. There are many options to add clipart, pictures, and much more. There are also so many websites you can find on the laptop with Wifi Internet that are free and can benefit aspects of writing.
- iPad - This device is used a lot in the classroom. There are many apps for writing, free and that may cost for a reasonable price. The iPad makes it more motivating and fun to use for educational purposes. It has a touch screen keyboard but for an additional tool, a Bluetooth keyboard can be purchased if the student likes the feel of a desktop keyboard.