How can you incorporate technology into writing instruction without sacrificing quality?

3 Scaffold students' skills and strategies

Technology can offer many benefits for writing instruction, but it can also pose some challenges for students' skills and strategies. For example, students may rely too much on spell-checkers, grammar-checkers, or plagiarism-checkers, and neglect their own editing and revision skills. Or they may struggle with finding, evaluating, and citing credible sources online. Or they may face technical issues, distractions, or cyberbullying. To prevent these problems, you should scaffold students' skills and strategies for using technology effectively and responsibly. For example, you can teach them how to use digital tools to enhance their writing process, not to replace it. Or you can show them how to search for reliable information, cite sources properly, and avoid plagiarism. Or you can establish clear rules and expectations for online behavior and communication.

4 Encourage student voice and choice

Technology can offer many opportunities for writing instruction, but it can also limit students' voice and choice. For example, some tools may have predefined templates, formats, or genres that constrain students' creativity and expression. Or some tools may have limited options, accessibility, or compatibility that exclude some students' needs and preferences. To avoid these limitations, you should encourage students' voice and choice when using technology for writing instruction. For example, you can allow students to choose their own topics, audiences, and purposes for writing. Or you can offer students a variety of tools and platforms to showcase their writing products. Or you can invite students to share their feedback and suggestions on the tools they use.

5 Integrate technology with pedagogy

Technology can be a valuable resource for writing instruction, but it can also be a source of frustration and confusion. For example, some tools may have steep learning curves, complex interfaces, or frequent updates that require time and effort to master. Or some tools may have glitches, errors, or compatibility issues that disrupt the flow and quality of writing instruction. To avoid these frustrations, you should integrate technology with pedagogy, not just use it for the sake of using it. For example, you can plan ahead and test the tools you want to use, and prepare backup plans in case of technical difficulties. Or you can provide clear instructions, examples, and support for students and yourself on how to use the tools effectively and efficiently. Or you can evaluate and reflect on the impact and outcomes of using technology for writing instruction, and make adjustments as needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?