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L2 Collaborative Writing in Diverse Learning Contexts
Edited by Mimi Li and Meixiu Zhang
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 59] 2023
► pp. 202–228

Chapter 9
Use of digital technologies for collaborative writing

| Texas A&M University-Commerce
| Sam Houston State University
This chapter provides a brief overview of current technologies for collaborative writing. We begin by sharing the distinctive features of three commonly used platforms in computer-mediated collaborative writing (i.e., Google Docs, wikis, and Etherpad) which have been found to offer L2 learners a safe space to freely work (Ware & Warschauer, 2006) and promote co-authorship and collaboration (Li & Storch, 2017). Next, in line with the increasing implementation of digital multimodal writing tasks, we present another set of multimedia tools (i.e., Canva infographics and Plot storyboards) which allow L2 users to incorporate multimodal publishing and collaboration during L2 writing practices (Krauss, 2012; Maamuujav et. al., 2019). We conclude with pedagogical recommendations for instructors who intend to use any of these tools.
Keywords: Google Docs, wikis, Etherpad, Canva, Plot
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Main tools used in collaborative writing tasks
    • Wikis
    • Distinctive features of wikis
    • Google Docs
    • Distinctive features of Google Docs
  • Etherpad
    • Distinctive features of Etherpad
  • Multimedia tools: Infographics and storyboards
  • Canva infographic
  • Plot
  • Pedagogical recommendations and conclusion
    • Accessibility
    • Educational context
    • Training
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 17 August 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.59.09gib
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