Student Effort, Media Preference, and Writing Quality When Using Print and Electronic Resources in Expository Writing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the Internet as a research tool on elementary students' quality of writing, their perceptions of effort expended, and their resource media preference in writing an expository paper. We gathered data from 56 upper-elementary students as they wrote expository papers using print resources, electronic resources via the Internet, or both types of resources. We noted no significant differences among the quality of writing that could be attributed to the resources used or grade in school. However, students liked using the Internet more than traditional print resources for doing research. In addition, fifth-grade students perceived that they put forth more effort when using the Internet for this writing task.

Use of Technology in Improving Literacy

“…Many instructional applications of technology have been designed as researchers examined the crucial relationship between literacy and technology. Researchers have studied the effect of the internet on students' learning ( Schuh & Farrell, 2006) and various software programs on literacy experiences for both normally developing children (Brown, 2003;Mathes, 2002) as well as for children with special needs (Blythe, 2006;Duris, 2005;Gardner, 2008; ). These programs seemed to be effective in increasing gains in literacy, and this article focuses on another program that has the capacity to contribute to students' increased achievement in reading.…”