Technology as a Lever for Adolescent Writing

Abstract

Despite needing this critical skill for college and career readiness, American adolescents are struggling to develop effective writing. In today’s schools and workplaces, much of that writing uses digital tools. Integrating technology in secondary schools can help improve adolescent writing within initiatives focused on the pedagogy of writing. These initiatives would provide teachers with technical support so they may focus on instruction. Professional development would emphasize how to leverage digital tools to deliver evidence-based writing instruction. Students gain most when provided systematic, explicit instruction in scientifically based strategies for writing and the writing process, as well as how to make effective use of digital tools as part of the writing process.