An Integrated Approach

                                                                        

Through our research, we found that students need to be able to evaluate their writing and revise effectively when using digital tools such as grammar and spelling checkers. This will ensure that they are understanding the corrections and proper use of the grammatical rules. Since the age of technology and implementation of digital tools is recent, there is not enough history to determine the overall outcome of their effects on our writing and writing skills. However, from the information and research currently being done, we can decipher that there are both advantages and disadvantages to digital tools.

Grammarly can be effective and useful in creating better writers and improving writing skills, however, it should not be followed blindly. Tools like Grammarly are most effective if used in conjunction with other practices such as grammar drills and research on grammar traps to fully understand your grammatical errors. If not, then you might get stuck in the habit of mindlessly using digital tools, like Grammarly, to correct your writing, without fully understanding or comprehending why the program is making the choices. By having an understanding of grammatical rules you can grow and learn from your errors, instead of mindlessly following the suggestions made by an online program.

In terms of integration of digital tools in schools, grammar teachers should be opened to the technological wave that is making its way into our educational system. The reality is that technology is only advancing and cannot be ignored. By harnessing the advantages of technology and digital tools in the classroom, students can learn how to use them properly, and get something out of the experience as well. For example, literary teachers should integrate the use of digital tools as well as grammar drills to improve students writing. This will allow the students to gain an understanding of why the digital tool is making the corrections to their errors and how to fix them for the future.

Furthermore, we determined that if used properly and with the correct knowledge, digital tools can improve someone as a writer as well as their writing skills. By utilizing an integrated approach, you can understand the grammatical rules as well as use the digital tools to further your understanding and knowledge of grammar traps and how to “better” your writing.