Date:
November 1998
Page No.:
47
Writer(s):
George Braine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Milio Yorozu, University of Hong Kong
Local Area Network (LAN) computers, used in writing classes in the U.S. for
more than a decade, are now being introduced to colleges and universities in
Asia. LANs have been observed to increase the quantity of writing and the
degree of classroom interaction by students. However, research does not indicate
that LANs are more effective in improving the writing of ESL and EFL students.
Further, during peer reviews of papers, a context which usually generates the
most collaboration, students in traditional classes have provided more feedback
than students in LAN classes. Hence, LANs may be no more effective than
traditional classes in improving the writing of ESL and EFL students.
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