Computers as Educational Tools for 2e Students
Reading, Spelling and Writing Skills Enhanced by Computer Use
Oct 6, 2008
The useage of the computer as an educational tool is generally increasing in schools.
In the subject areas of reading and spelling, in particular, the value of software in assisting the development of basic skills at different levels, in different locations and by different teachers requires assessment. One study in Australia has evaluated software using the parent as teacher.
However, regardless of the specificity of the computer programs developed particularly for the skill areas of reading and spelling, the computer itself is a very valuable tool for increasing the skill levels, self confidence and self esteem of the twice exceptional student.
Typing at Speed
For a start it allows the student to type at speed rather than laboriously writing by hand. For students who hate writing and who frequently make spelling mistakes, it gives them instant feedback on what they are writing and highlights spelling mistakes which they can change speedily and easily.
However, care must be taken when using the computer's spell check facility. It is not always totally accurate.
Neat End Product Enhances Student's Pride
The completed product of a clean, neat, typewritten piece of paper also enhances the student's pride in their work.
Far from a scratchy, blotchy and at times indecipherable hand written piece, the student is able to read clearly and cleanly their work.
Computer Assists Essay and Report Writing
With respect to structuring pieces, the computer also helps with adding or deleting already written sections easily.
With essay or report writing in particular, it offers the student a control over their writing they may not have experienced before and encourages them to see how the written product can actually take shape.
Computer Offers Much More Scope Than Handwriting
Because the printing is clean and clear, it also does not take as huge an effort to read as it would a handwritten piece. In a handwritten piece both the student and the teacher might have real difficulty deciphering the written material because of the student's poor handwriting ability and frequency of spelling mistakes.
Additionally, because the computer offers so much more scope than handwriting in terms of different styles of font, pictures and graphics, it allows students to present to their teachers a product of a much higher standard than they would normally expect of them.
Detailed projects or reports on a student's particular area of interest and sometimes arena of extensive knowledge can highlight to a teacher that there is far more to the student than he has observed in the classroom.
The computer as an educational tool for the twice exceptional student is invaluable in the development of their self confidence and and self esteem, irrespective of the specific range of software specifically created to develop skills in reading and spelling.
 |
