Computers, kids, and crayons: a comparative study of emergent writing behaviours

This research project looks at the emergent writing behaviours of children in one kindergarten. Data was gathered as children wrote with various computer programs and traditional writing implements. The questions examined in the study were: How do the writing behaviours change when using technology and traditional implements? What understanding of Marie Clay's concepts about print do the children display with computers and traditional implements? How do the children's understandings of the concepts about print change between the two media? Are there some concepts about print that are displayed earlier with computers?The study involved eight children enrolled in a university laboratory school. Data, in the form of audiotapes, videotapes, anecdotal notes, and artefacts, were collected over a period of two and a half months. The writing incidents ranged from child choice to teacher directed. Children at free play would frequently choose to write at the computers or art areas. The teacher would also make assignments that all children had to complete, but usually the children could choose to use computers or traditional writing implements. Children used a variety of programs with which to write, usually selecting the program they wanted to use. The programs that were used in the classroom were mainly: Word, KidPix, and Orly 's Draw-a-Story.Like many qualitative studies additional discoveries were made regarding the children's writing levels, social interactions at the computers when writing, and the exploration nature of children with the technology.