I think it’s inevitable at this point in time to incorporate technology into our writing. Personally, I find a lot of usefulness in the technologies I use for my writing. I store most of my writing on Google docs simply because this is where I started my writing. I also find websites like easybib and scribblr to make citations easier for me. I’ve had to manually form citations for tens of sources in highschool, and it’s a tedious task that these sites automate for me. I rarely use ChatGPT but I haves used it to outline long papers to identify the main points of a reading. When I need to read lots of sources, this saves me time but doesn’t cost me any understanding. Additionally, I wouldn’t have access to any “outside” sources that classes sometimes mandate for papers without a laptop or the internet. I think technology assists in the organization and the process of writing, but the rest is up to us. Most resources just save time or allow for storage.
Day: February 14, 2024
Computers and Pencils
After reading Dennis Baron’s article, I was able to grasp a better understanding of different technologies and tools that I can utilize throughout my writing process. The two most common tools I use to help articulate my writing are a computer and a pencil. Both tools are used almost every time I write a paper or something in general. After reading, I noticed and learned that computers allow people to create their thoughts cleanly and precisely. When I use computers, I have different apps like Notes App or Excel that I can use to help present my information thoroughly with illustrations. If I have a research project, then I can find quotes or information and copy and paste them into the Notes App so that I have a list of examples to use to write my paper. When using a computer, I can type much information faster than a pencil, which allows me to articulate more information at a time. Having different accessible apps to articulate a good paper helps me tremendously. Another tool that I have used numerous times is the pencil. Using a pencil as a tool is something that I feel is very important to me when writing a paper. Something I have learned that works best for me is that when I am writing down information rather than typing, I notice that I better understand what I am writing. Everyone seems to have similar interests with different technologies to use for writing purposes, but everyone has their ideas of how they each help them.
Writing in the Digital Age
As Baron discussed, technological advancements have influenced literacy practices in recent years, especially since the widespread adoption of the computer. Technology has certainly impacted my writing practices. It provides the basis for my writing and is useful for editing and refining my work.
One application I frequently use is Google Docs. It provides a digital space to store and create my documents. I usually write my essay drafts and class notes in this application. In contrast to physical papers that can be damaged or lost over time, Google Docs is able to safely store documents for prolonged periods of time. I can retrieve my 7th grade biology assignments despite having written them years ago in a different country, something that would have been difficult to accomplish without technology. Another feature I enjoy is the synchronization between various devices. As long as I log into the same account, I can access my work from virtually any device in the world connected to the internet. In a sense, my work will always be with me and will be easily accessible. This also introduces flexibility since I can edit from my Google Docs app on my phone while laying down in bed, which would have been difficult to do using paper and pen. I also enjoy its collaborative interface that enables multiple users to edit and write simultaneously. If the writing was done on paper, it most likely be more time consuming and limit the number of editors, ultimately effecting the quality of writing.
For similar reasons, I enjoy using the Notes app. It supports collaborative work and stores documents for extended periods of time. I still have access to the French vocabulary list I studied in middle school. Like a notepad, I can easily open the Notes app and jot down notes and ideas. I also like the simple and minimalist design of the platform. Other applications that have multiple features can be distracting when trying to focus on writing down ideas on a document, so Notes provides a simple solution to this issue.
Lastly, I would be lying if I said I do not use AI tools for writing to some extent. When it comes to generating, summarizing and organizing ideas, applications such as Chat GPT can be very useful. They can produce excellent work in seconds, which is why many people in the work place and school have been using them. Relying on them excessively will only be detrimental to building your literacy and writing skills, but using it as a guideline and a stepping stone to continue on with a writing project can be extremely helpful.
Technology & Me
One technology that Dennis Baron mentioned in his article was the computer. Computers have definitely played a role in how I have written. I remember since elementary school that I had to use the school computers to practice writing and up until now, I have always been using a computer/laptop to write. In high school, my teacher would require us to use their writing process which includes brainstorming, drafting, self revising, peer revising and then a final draft to complete essay assignments and I have stuck to that writing process. I usually do all of these on my laptop because I find it easier to edit than by using pencil and paper. It is easier and neater to delete a word on my Google document than to erase a word on my paper. Sometimes, I use my ipad and a digital pencil to brainstorm because I want to draw out the brainstorm bubble instead of typing in lines on Google Docs. On my ipad, I use an app called GoodNotes. I prefer GoodNotes, but I know there are some other apps such as Notion and Notability. When I need my peers to revise my writing for me, I just have to share my document with them through email. I find this to be better than if I wrote on paper because my handwriting could be messy and they might not understand it or I can’t understand their handwriting so I would have a hard time reading their comments. On the other hand, adding comments on Google Docs is way easier to read because the comments automatically go on the side, which doesn’t block any of your words and you aren’t burdened by their handwriting. All in all, computers or digital devices in general have supported me throughout my writing journey. Without the help of computers, I believe I wouldn’t have been able to write as efficiently.
My Journey Navigating the Digital Writing Realm
– Dennis Barron
“In the digital writing era, the computer has transformed literacy practices, shaping our language and communication”
The process of writing has changed dramatically in a world where the click of a computer has replaced the scratch of pencils on paper. When I think back on how I write, I see that I can move between digital and physical media with ease, and each has its benefits for my creative writing.
The Pleasure of the Tangible
There is a certain physical quality to the feel of pencil on paper. I enjoy the ease with which I can scribble ideas, do simple sketches of outlines, and record important points in a notebook in the beginning. This tactile method gives me a genuine touch, letting ideas develop naturally without the pressure to edit and modify too soon.
The Tech Landscape
Writing technologies have evolved beyond word-processing tools. I particularly use Grammarly every day and find it extremely useful, it makes proofreading easier, while note-taking applications help me keep my thoughts organized neatly. These devices are useful tools that improve my writing process significantly.
The Future
Technological innovation has brought about disruption within every area of human life. Artificial intelligence more so than ever is automating previously human tasks such as basic writing promts, writing code, outlining essays or responding to emails. As every previous invention, AI is meant to boost human efficiency, making everyday task easier, leaving humans with the only part of us we cannot replicate – the creative, inventive aspect which made these inventions possible in the first place.
How technology changed my writing process
After reading this article I notice different methods of the use of technology and saw that I use it in my everyday life. I take notes whether it’s on my computer or handwrite it on my iPad. Also just checking everything through my writing assessments, notes and even my schedules. Technology really changed everything before things would be hard to write down or just take notes whenever I needed too. Plus this is very helpful if I made any mistakes with my grammar I can use an app just incase of anything. Everything is mostly in my google Docs this also helps me save a lot of time with assignments it just makes everything fast and easier for myself and others. As time goes on I know technology will advance much more and become easier in any way it can be. The more it advance it’s better for everyone and it makes things move faster as well.
Navigating Technology In My Writing
After reading Dennis Baron’s article, I recognized several technologies that fit my daily writing process. When writing, my process often consists of taking appropriate notes, making a couple of drafts, revising, and then completing my final paper. When starting my writing process, I use my Notes app to write down some of my ideas and take notes that will be useful later on. The Notes app, for me, is easy and accessible almost anywhere I am. If a good or inspiring new idea comes to mind and I am away, I can write it down quickly without waiting until I get home. If I am already home, then sometimes I will write my thoughts down on paper because I find more comfort and ease in that rather than taking out my laptop. Furthermore, I often use Google Docs or Microsoft Word when writing my drafts. Both sources include spell check and organizational tools, which help me revise my papers. Using these tools with built-in features to help me modify my work saves me a lot of time because it usually highlights mistakes I made and corrects them for me. Without these features, I would need another person to read over my paper to check my grammar, but these tools do it for me. These different technology sources help me write all my thoughts down while always being able to delete, add, or revise without restarting. As technology advances, I want to see how future students use these tools to incorporate them into their writing processes.
