The document discusses how computers and the internet have changed the writing process. It describes the various stages of writing, including prewriting, drafting, and revising. Students are encouraged to use word processing programs for writing papers and to backup files frequently. The internet can be used for research and finding sources, though students must carefully evaluate the reliability of online information.

1. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Writing in the Digital Age
Chapter Seven

2. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Writing in the Digital Age
• Computers, tables, and online resources are
now important to the writing process
• Most instructors require typed and printed
papers
• Most students use word-processing programs
to prewrite and write
• Students are likelier to brainstorm and
research paper topics online

3. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Tips for Writing On-Screen
• If working in a computer lab, allow enough time
• Save your work frequently
• Back up files and keep copies on an external
disk, flash drive, and/or server
• Printing your work after each session can also
be a back up method
• Keep different versions of the file so you can
always go back to the original if necessary

4. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process
• Prewriting
– Get down as many ideas and details as possible
about your subject
– Delete ideas you don’t want in your paper and
add new ideas that occur to you
– Shuffle supporting ideas around to find the best
order

5. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process (cont.)
• Preparing a scratch outline
– Use the cut and paste functions to shuffle
around and organize ideas, points, and details
– Delete ideas that do not fit and add new ideas
as needed
– Use web-based programs like WorkFlowy and
ThinkLinkr

6. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process (cont.)
• Writing the first draft
– You can write out your first draft by hand and
then type it on the computer for revision
– A benefit of composing directly onto the screen
are the computer’s special features: cut, paste,
and copy

7. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process (cont.)
• Revising
– Substituting, adding, deleting, and rearranging
can be done easily on the computer
– If you prefer, print out a hard copy of your file
and revise first in longhand

8. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process (cont.)
– When revising content, make sure you have:
• an interesting introduction
• a solid conclusion
• an accurate title
• a clear method of organization
• transitions and connecting words

9. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Computers and the Writing Process (cont.)
• Editing and Proofreading
– Take sufficient time to carefully review your
grammar, punctuations, and spelling

10. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Using the Internet
• The Internet can aid and enhance your
writing by helping with your research
– Check dates, names, and background
information
– Find books and articles on your topic
• The Internet can also help during the writing
process. If you’re stuck and need ideas and
inspiration, conduct an online search on your
topic.

11. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
To Find Books on Your Topic
Visit and search by subject or keywords
•Your college’s library catalog
•The Web site of commercial bookseller like
Amazon (www.amazon.com) or Barnes &
Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com)
•The catalog of The Library of Congress

12. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
To Find Articles on Your Topic
Visit and search by subject or keywords
•Online databases or library subscription
services
– Academic Search Premier, ERIC (Education
Resources Information Center), JSTOR
(Journal Storage), and the New York Times
Index are some examples
– You may have to visit your library to access for
free

13. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Finding Articles (cont.)
• Online magazines, newspapers, and Journal
articles
• Search Engines (like Google)
– Millions of articles on any subject
– Narrow down results by adding or searching
for more specific keywords
• Save addresses of relevant Web sites by
using your Web browser’s “Bookmark” or
“Favorites” feature

14. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Evaluating Internet Sources
Keep in mind that information you find online
may not be reliable or correct. Evaluate
sources carefully:
•Look at the site’s address, the author’s
credentials, and the site’s sponsor
•Is content objective and are points supported
by evidence?
•Is the information up to date?