CARS Outline

Research Question: Can computer software help with the writing process?
I. Establishing a Territory
Computers are fast becoming an integral part of our society. Therefore, we should embrace computers in as many ways as we can. The writing process can be difficult for many people due to the complexities of the English language. For some time now, writers have used computers for things such as spell check or checking for grammatical errors. However, what if computer software could actually be used to make writing easier or help people with learning disabilities? Some of my research shows how computers software is making writing easier.

II. Establishing a Niche
My essay will explore the current research that has been completed in this subject area. Already, research has shown some computer software can help students with learning disabilities write more coherent sentences through sentence structure analysis. Also, computers help with collaboration when working on writing with a team of people. In addition, software can be used to help plan for writing. For example, teachers have been trying to get us students to use concept mapping before beginning to write in an attempt to help us organize our thoughts. New computer software, such as Cmap Tools, allows anyone to create bubble maps easily in a computerized format that enables a person to see where they can add analysis and how their thoughts flow together.

III. Occupying the Niche
The purpose of the essay is to argue that computer software is useful in improving the writing process. If software can help learning disabled students write, hopefully other software can be created to help other people write better as well. Obviously, we can not allow the computer to write papers for us, but maybe more research can be done into sentence structure analysis to help us figure out better ways of saying things in our papers. The principle findings of the essay is that computer software is improving the writing process through several methods such as: collaboration, assisting learning disabled students, and helping people have a better flow of ideas through better concept mapping. The research paper will begin with an introduction about previous thoughts about computer software in the education environment, followed by a discussion on the research I've listed above, and lastly my insights into the research.

Lundsford Quiz

I believe that my argument is one of fact. My research question is how computer software is affecting the writing process. Through the research I have found, the answer to my question is that new computer software is improving the writing process greatly. According to the Lundsford reading, a factual argument must, "make a claim that addresses the status of the facts as they're known and offer substantial evidence to support your claims"(194). I have found research that demonstrates computers have made it easier for students with learning disabilities to write coherent, complete sentences; collaboration has become easier, mind-mapping software allows students to be able to more clearly understand the flow of their ideas.

I believe the research I have found is substantial and supports my claim that computer software is helping improve the writing process. While some teachers believe that computers inhibit the writing process due to the distractions that are available while on a computer, I believe the overall improvements to the writing process out way the distractions that may be available. I will agree that I become distracted while using a computer for homework. There's so much available to do online, it can be extremely easy to stop working and talk to a friend or look at the latest updates on facebook. Sometimes, I find myself having to "unplug" from the internet in order to get work done.

Most of the articles I have found during my research also support an argument of fact because the articles discuss real-life ways that the computer software is helping to enhance the writing process. I also have my own personal experience with the mind-mapping software. It has allowed me to see my ideas on the screen and find connections between ideas and how the ideas should flow together in a coherent manor. I believe my writing has been much improved since I have begun using the software. I have also used the software in my accounting class to help me understand how the different topics go together in the class.

All in all, I believe the research has helped integrate more classrooms with technology and broadened teachers response to technology. More teachers require students to type their assignments and use technology for other purposes. This expansion in technology should overall help students become more effective in the workplace and will lead to a more productive society.