Author Identifier (ORCID)
Anabela Malpique: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1683-9906
Debora Valcan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0608-9611
Abstract
In the digital age, skilful computer-based writing is essential for school aged children since it empowers them to communicate, acquire knowledge, critically engage with information, and produce text-based original thoughts. However, there is a lack of studies examining teachers’ preparation and self-efficacy for supporting students in developing computer-based writing skills and instructional practices implemented in primary classrooms. In the current study, 340 primary teachers (Grades 1–6) from across Australian states completed a survey about the computer-based writing instruction provided in their classrooms. While results showed that teachers found it was important to teach computer-based writing skills, most respondents reported allocating only 57 min per week for computer-based writing practice in their classrooms. Teachers reported allocating little time for teaching keyboarding and word processing skills, and few teachers reported teaching strategies for planning and revising computer-generated texts. Most respondents reported not having received formal training to teach computer-based writing and that they felt little confidence to teach students how to create texts using digital devices. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that teachers’ preparation and self-efficacy to teach computer-based writing skills made a unique contribution in explaining their reported instructional practices. Current findings are discussed considering the critical importance of developing students’ computer-based writing skills essential for navigating in the digital age.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
12-1-2025
Volume
52
Issue
6
Publication Title
Australian Educational Researcher
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Education
RAS ID
84439
Funders
The Ian Potter Foundation (20190465)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
First Page
4555
Last Page
4580
Comments
Malpique, A., Valcan, D., Pino-Pasternak, D., & Ledger, S. (2025). Teaching computer-based writing: primary teachers’ preparation, self-efficacy, and instructional practices. The Australian Educational Researcher, 52, 4555–4580. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-025-00910-9