Computer aided analysis of foreign language writing process

Abstract

A number of studies have examined the writing process in first language (L1) and English as a Second Language (ESL); however, there is little empirical data with regard to the foreign language (FL) writing process. Système-D, a computer program for writing in French, accompanied by its tracking device, which provides a log of student inquiries made during the writing process, has afforded a novel means of analyzing the FL writing process. Twenty-one students in third semester (intermediate) college French participated in a study designed to examine how the Syst6me-D log provides data about the FL writing process. This study describes the instrument used to evaluate the Système-D log data and suggests how this information can be used in the classroom.