Blog Post # 8 Writting Process

What are the components of the writing process?

 Picture Link: http://writing.pppst.com/banner_writingprocess.gif

There are five components of the writing process including:
1) Prewriting: Think of an idea, build off of the idea, begin to sturucture.
2) Drafting: Write the first attempt of the paper.
3) Reviewing: Read the paper individually and by a peer to find errors.
4) Editing: Correct any errors found while reviewing and add detail.
5) Publishing: Present the paper in some way. 

** The writing process should not follow these steps in order. In other words some steps can be repeated and gone back to repeatedly. **

What are some difficulties students with disabilities have in writing? 

Picture Link: http://www.dyslexialincs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/boy_writing_frustrated_1a.jpg

 While students with disabilities can have difficulties in all of the areas of writing including thinking, planning, decision making, and the mechanics of transcription. For some students, the entire writing process can be overwhelming. The planning process can be difficult because students do not know how or why they need to. Spelling and handwriting can also be difficult for students with learning disabilities making editing challenging. The mechanics of writing can be particularly difficult for students with physical disabilities. 

What is one technology tool to assist students with the writing process? 
   A great technology tool to use during the prewriting stage of writing is VoiceThread. This tool can be accessed on the computer from this link https://voicethread.com/ or students can download the app onto and iPhone or iPad. This tool allows classes to plan out a writing topic together. When using VoiceThread individuals can talk, type, or draw on the screen. When implementing this writing tool a teacher should have already introduced and checked for students' understanding of the tool itself, the writing topic, and how to plan. The teacher can then lead a discussion about the essay topic using VoiceThread so that the entire class can participate. This is a great "we do" part of a writing lesson.  

Picture Link: http://electronicportfolios.org/academy/intro/planning/digital-narrative/step-by-step-voicethread/voicethread-tutorials.png

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2017) Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (3rd Ed). Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780134170411