Hi Ann,
AMC>Ruth, My name is Ann Mc Connell and I am a student at Sydney
   >University, currently studying primary education. I notice you8 had
   >alo9t of intrest in the area if literacy and spelling. I would love
   >to hear you views onwhat place you think technology and the computer
   >has in the teaching of spellimg, creative writing and general
   >literacy. Ple4ase write back. Regards, Ann Mc Connel
Well I don't know how much I can help you but I'll give it a try. Since
you are new in this echo you probably don't know that I teach in Canada
and am a Supply Teacher. In the U.S. they call be a SUBstitute, I hear
that in British Columbia (Canada) - I live in Ontario - they call us
a TOA which is Teacher On Call. I like the latter version don't you? I
don't have too much to do with the computer and am not terribly familiar
with all the programs out there. I'm sure there are lots of good
programs that can help with all the aspects of language not only
spelling and creative writing. The one thing that the computer can do is
give instant feedback - use of educational games.
As for creative writing - all well and good if you have some skill on
the keyboard. Great for children that have handwriting difficulties -
and something that is encouraged for children with learning
disabilities.
I for one wouldn't be without my word processing programs to write and
edit with. However, there is something to be said for good old fashioned
writing in the younger grades to learn the process of it....Unless of
course you print out every single draft - which in my opinion, at that
level, would be a waste of paper.
On the plus side it does give you a nice finished product and the kids
love to have that. Most of the younger grades do their final drafts only
on the computer so it can be printed out in a "published" copy.
Well, you are hitting me with this question at a bad time - we have been
on our Summer hiatus and I haven't been working with the kids for a
while. I don't often work with them on the computer except when we go to
Computer Lab and then they are more likely to be playing educational
games. The ones I know best are the ones that reinforce the alphabet and
initial sounds or early numeracy concepts.
Sorry, I can't be of more help. If you can think of any specific
questions I can endeavour to answer them for you - at least I will be
back teaching soon.....The new school year starts tomorrow, but I
probably won't get work until next week and then only if I am lucky.
Bye for now----Ruth
---
 þ QMPro 1.53 þ Brain cells currently disengaged.
---------------