Integrating Evidence-Based Strategies and Technology to Support Essay Writing for Struggling Writers

• In Event: Special Education Research: Special Education and Technology

Abstract

Two quasi-experimental studies were conducted to investigate the effects of a computer-based graphic organizer (CBGO) and/or technology-based graphic organizer (TBGO) app with embedded evidence-based strategies on the persuasive essay writing by 6th-graders. Study 1 involved 102 students including 46 struggling writers. There were 182 students in Study 2, including 59 struggling writers. Data on the number of words, sentences, transition words, holistic writing quality were collected at pretest, posttest, and maintenance. The preliminary analysis reveals that students using CBGO/TBGO have outperformed students in the control groups on the number of sentences, transition words, and holistic writing quality. Technology implementation advantages and challenges as well as the perceptions of teachers and students with disabilities while using different platforms will be discussed.

Authors

• Anya S. Evmenova, George Mason University

• Kelley Sarah Regan, George Mason University

• Melissa Hughes, George Mason University

• Donna Sacco, George Mason University

• Soo Ahn, George Mason University