The essential feature of the word processor is the ability to manipulate text (and rework expression) is changing the way we think, or at least the way we teach. The text production and processing technology prior to word processors were fixed and static. The pre-word processor writer created expressions one word and one idea at a time. While this is not an impediment to creativity it does add time to creative expression in terms of revision and edits. The word processor allows you to manipulate blocks of words to reshape ideas. The word processor facilitated the use of graphic organizers to instruct students how to pattern and sequence their ideas; and in my time those students have done very well as “almost 9 out of 10 people (89%) in Canada aged 25 to 64 had completed at least high school in 2012.” (Statistics Canada, 2014)
this post was very much accidental and I am only now discovering my accidental post I will attempt to complete my discussion now
I feel kind of fortunate to have been able to experience some of the typewriter technology before being completely remediated by the word processor. I am not a fantastic typist but I still think the high school course that has a most significant impact in my life is Typing 10. This grade 10 class used electric Olivetti’s and those lesson contribute to my daily life. I wonder what technology will remediate the word processor? Perhaps it will come through some kind of intermediary remediation technology. I believe an innovation to the keyboard will siren the beginning of the end for the word processor. The Google Glass release is that intermediary step, and I wonder if I will see the remediation of another writing fad.
Respect,
Ken Lees
References
Statistics Canada. (2017, 12 15). Education indicators in Canada: An International perspective, 2014. Retrieved from The Daily: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/141215/dq141215b-eng.htm
