1. Pen-and-Paper versus Computer-Mediated Writing Modality as a New Dimension of Task Complexity
- Author
-
Olena Vasylets and Javier Marín
- Subjects
Linguistics and Language ,Cal·ligrafia ,Typewriting ,Mecanografia ,Calligraphy ,Ensenyament de l'escriptura ,Penmanship ,Adquisició d'una segona llengua ,Second language acquisition ,second language writing ,pen-and-paper writing ,computer-mediated writing ,task complexity ,task-based language teaching ,Language and Linguistics - Abstract
In this paper we make a proposal that writing modality (pen-and-paper versus computer-based writing can be conceptualized as a cognitive task complexity factor. To lay ground for this theoretical proposal, we first review previous adaptations of cognitive task-based models to second language (L2) writing. We then compare pen-and-paper and computer-based writing modalities in terms of their general characteristics, outline the main tenets of multidisciplinary theoretical models which attribute learning and performance-related importance to writing modality, and review the available empirical evidence. From this we draw theoretical and empirical justification for our conceptualization of writing modality as a task complexity dimension. After outlining our conceptual view, we proceed with the review of the methods which could be used to independently assess cognitive load in paper and computer-written L2 tasks. In the conclusion, implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
- Published
- 2022