Overview:

• A word processor is a program that lets us create, edit, store and print written documents. Programs such as MS Word, Pages, Open Office, and Word Perfect have been mainstream programs for years.

• Devices typically come with word processor installed, but otherwise word processors can be downloaded off of the relevant website.

• Though this is a general education technology, it is also one of the most important assistive technology tools for students that have writing difficulties.

Research:

Morphy & Graham (2012)

• This meta-analysis (otherwise known as a review of previous studies) examined poor writers' writing products with and without a word processor by reviewing 27 studies with weaker writers.

• Compared to writing by hand, when using a word processor, students produced longer written products that were better developed and organized. There were fewer mechanical errors and overall the writing samples were of better quality when rated by experts.

Mogey & Hartley (2013)

• This study examined 13 examination essays written by hand, and 24 essays written by word-processor.

• One implication from the study was the importance of ensuring that students have been taught to type in order to ensure that word processors are beneficial.

Quick Facts

Advantages

• Effective in circumventing problems for children with writing learning disabilities

• More time efficient in circumventing graphomotor problems than teaching handwriting

• Easily accessible, as all digital computing technologies will have a word processor of some kind

Disadvantages

• Instructors need to ensure that students have been taught to type properly in order to ensure word processing is efficient (Mogey & Hartley, 2013)

To Consider

• Cloud-based computing products are available whenever and where students require them, but do need access to a reliable internet connection

• Access to a word processor is an important testing accommodation (Lewandowski, Lambert, Lovett, Panahon, & Sytsma, 2014)