Chapter Four Response!

In my EXPERT opinion, chapter four was much easier to read than the previous chapters. However, this chapter had some points to consider concerning word processing and keyboarding skills. The author states educators believe word processors can be a valuable tool in the classroom but can also be controversial, as well. The argument at hand is in some classroom some students who use a word processor to type a report have been given a lesser score than those of his/her peers who chose to hand write his/her report. If language mechanics was an issue, then word processor should not have been an option. More importantly, I do not understand why these students were graded more strictly. In my fourth grade classroom, I encourage my students to use Microsoft Word to type anything we write. We have five classroom computers while many of them also have personal computers at home to type on as well. I use these opportunities to teach mini-lessons in language. This is not a time to teach strict lessons in keyboarding skills; however, I have taught proper positioning of the hands and body. My focus is on teaching the students to recognize misspelled words and improper use of grammar, rather than correct typing skills. I know that these skills will improve with more practice in computer class, at home, and using text messaging.