This mixed methods study examined assistive technology and its role in the world early
writers. It investigated the function of word predictive and speech synthesis software in
the early primary, mainstream classroom. A technology based writing intervention with
27 first grade students was carried out to assess how the use of Co:writer software
affected the content of student writing. It looked at how the length of the writing sample,
word use and sentence complexity was affected by this writing intervention. It also
investigated how students interacted with the software and how they felt about its effect
on their writing. The hypothesis was that the use of assistive technology while writing
would aid students in creating more sophisticated, content rich writing samples and give
students a positive feeling about their writing. Using a pre-post design, participant
writing samples were analyzed for length, word use and sentence complexity. Targeted
interviews and field notes revealed how students interacted with the software and how
they felt about its effect on their writing. The data shows that within this study
participants improved the length, and sentence complexity in their written samples.
Qualitatively participants reported that the software helped to improve their vocabulary,
length of writing sample, spelling, reading and editing. This study lays groundwork for
more research into the use of assistive writing technology in early mainstream
participants. / Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-24 02:12:01.196
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/6395 |
| Date | 25 April 2011 |
| Creators | ROBB, Lauren Nicole |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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