The Impact of Word Processing on Middle School Students.

This study investigated the impact of word processing on middle school students. The study involved a high, middle, and low academic ability student, each spending an average of 114 minutes on the computer per week over four months. Data collection consisted of questionnaires, interviews, observations, and students' work. Each student answered questions on his/her attitudes toward writing. Interviews clarified responses to questionnaires. Students were then observed by the teacher as they worked at computers. Findings of the study contradict some current research in this field. Researchers have indicated that word processing eliminated most, if not all, the awkwardness in writing. However, this study found that students had difficulty with hand-thought coordination that was needed for typing their own writing. These findings support the need for phonetic and in-depth keyboarding skills to be in place before word processors are used for composition. Another finding was that computer composition time far exceeded that of traditional composition, suggesting that educators and researchers need to allow more time for computer composition. Implications of the study call for further study and analysis of skills students need in order to use the word processor in student composition.* Focus must also be given to the differential of computer and traditional writing time. The writing survey and interview guide are appended. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.