Why research student responses to essay homework questions?

 
  • Writing can promote reasoning and reflection to help students gain a deeper understanding
  • Mechanics of medium can help or hinder the process
    • Barrera, Rule and Diemart found in a study of 1st grade students that computers facilitated student writing better than paper.
      • Barrera, Rule & Diemart, Information Technology in Childhood Education, (2001) p.215-229
  • Previous studies of web vs. paper homework focused on numerical or multiple choice.
  • Grading computer-written work can be easier than hand-written