The Impact of Computer-Based Tools and Embedded Prompts on Writing Processes and Products of Novice and Advanced College Writers

Abstract

This study examined the impact of computer-based tools and embedded topical and rhetorical prompts on college writers. Two types of organizational tools, an outliner and a graphic idea organizer, and the prompts increased the conceptual planning of both advanced and novice writers. There was no correlation, however, between the amount of planning and the quality of compositions. Increased planning corresponded to better compositions only under certain conditions; there was an interaction between treatments and level of writer. Advanced writers both planned more and wrote better compositions when they used the idea organizer with prompts. Although novice writers with this treatment also planned more, their compositions were actually worse. The compositions of novice writers were best when they used the out- liner with prompts. An analysis of the verbal protocols examined the relationship between the features of the software and the prompts, the skills of the writers, and the connection between plans and compositions. Implications are discussed for research on writing, the design of writing tools, and their use in the writing classroom.