Using automated writing evaluation in classroom assessment:A critical review

The paper reviews research on using online Automated Writing Evaluation(AWE) in the classroom.It starts with a brief overview of the history of AWE development and major AWE systems in use.Then the paper reviewed major product-based and process-based AWE studies.The product-based AWE research conducted by AWE developers mostly examined whether the system could produce writing gains and the result seemed to be positive.The process-based AWE research studied the use of AWE as an instructional tool and yielded varied findings.It is argued that the successful use of AWE in education calls for a paradigm shift from the perspectives of teachers,learners and administrators and the combination of process/product research approach would be able to present a clear picture of how AWE impacts the learner,the teacher,the teaching and learning process and outcome.