Kevin Norris
ENG 665/ Assignment for 11-11-14
Professor Rodrigo
November 11, 2014

“A Brief History of Computer Support for Writing Centers and Writing-Across-the Curriculum Programs”
Mike Palmquist’s article discussed the “evolution” of how computers have supported different writing programs. According to the article, the phenomenon began in the “late 1970s and 1980s.” At first, there was some resistance and later the scholars realized the necessity.


Later, computers were used to track how many students attended writing centers and how many hours they spent there. Then computers were used to analyze a student’s style and grammatical skills, which is still done today. Next, computers were used as a word processor. This made writing quicker and more efficient. This caused an increase of participation in the writing center.

 In 1994, a lot of tutorial information went on the web.

Online writing centers were developed by Perdue University. This gave students a larger access to tutorial services. Since then, more online tutorial programs have emerged onto the scene. This gives students even more access and this seems to be the way of the future.

            Chapter 5: “Motivation and Barriers to Adopting Technologies” by Professor Rodrigo

Professor Rodrigo’s chapter “Motivation and Barriers to Adopting Technologies discussed the reason why teachers incorporated technology when teaching writing and some the hindrances that kept teachers from using technology. Some believe that technology is necessary when teaching and taking college course. I emphasize this to my students, especially the ones who are resistant to it.

According to the chapter, another reason why teachers like technology is because teaching online class, enables flexibility. I found this to be true. I loved the fact that I could teach when I wanted to.
Another benefit of teaching with technology, according to the article, is that it keeps students engages. I found this to be true. When I showed to students how to use SCRATCH the other day (though some of the students had a difficult time with the program ) they were all engaged.

 One of the hindrances mentioned in the article was “time.” One thing mentioned in the chapter was how to use technology and make it productive. Throughout this course, I found that the case. I think I’ve narrowed it down and decided to teach a new technology with each unit. This way the students get choices. However, the problem remains with time. It takes a long time to teach the students the technology, thus taking away from other areas that the students need to learn: grammar, vocabulary, etc. Since I teach 9th grade inclusion, a lot of students are reluctant to practice the technology on their own. Nevertheless, it is important to learn.

The chapter also mentions that student support is a determiner of whether or not a teacher will teach technology in his or her class. I found this also to be true. Some resisted. However, I decided it was important. A lot of students are resistant to try new things, but once they get it, they like it.

 There were several reasons for given for using technology. One was “to better facilitate learning.” This is important. No matter what a student does, he or she most likely will have to use technology. The more a student is familiar with technology, the easier it is for him or her to adapt.

Overall, there were several reasons why people were for using technology and why people were against it. According to the chapter, most teachers were for it. However, time remained a problem and that is something the school systems should address.



Piktochart
Piktochart is an online program that allows you to make brochures. To me, it is similar to Microsoft Publisher. However, it is easier to use. You are able to create text, import graphics and videos. Furthermore, you are able to change the color of each block so you may have a multi- colored document. Even though this was my first time using it, I found it very easy to use. The basic version is free. However, you may buy the pro version.

Web Site

https://magic.piktochart.com/output/3433972-brain-rules-chapter-12-conflict-

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