PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143)

This study analyzed 131 computer-generated graphics for evidence of emergent writing. Four preschool children created the drawings on a color and a black-and-white computer during eight weekly 1.5 hour sessions. Audio and videotapes were obtained to review procedures, language, and emergent literacy intent. Drawings were categorized independently by two coders into previously established phases of drawing and writing and subsequent subcategories. All three phases of emergent literacy were evident in the computer drawings with few representing a single phase. The categorization of the 131 computer drawings revealed that 80.9 % of the graphics were in Category 1 (Scribble/Drawing), while 25 separate graphics, or 19.1 % of the total, exhibited 33 emergent writing behaviors in phases II and III. Of these 33 emergent writing instances, 6.1 % were in Category II (Representational phase). Category III (Object Representation) included data in these categories: (1) symbols for words, 9.1 % (subcategory number 3); (2) strings of letters 33.3 % (subcategory 4); (3) spelling of own name, 42.4 % (subcategory 5); (4) spelling dictation, 9.1 % (subcategory 6). There were no differences in the drawing/writing categories between black-and-white and color graphics. There were no age or gender differences. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures, and 46 references.) (Author/SLD) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. r"-