Chapter 7. Direct observation of writing activity

Emerging technologies and the rise of internet-mediated writing spaces have contributed to the appearance of new forms of digital practices that have transformed writing and its development. These technologies also present important methodological opportunities for researchers interested in the study of writing processes and writing development. This chapter offers a critical overview of one such opportunity: the use of screen capture technologies (SCT) as a means of documenting and engaging in direct real-time observation of language learners’ digitally mediated writing activities. After a brief description of SCT, this chapter reviews the research questions explored and insights gleaned about writing processes and writing development with SCT. It then addresses the methodological challenges and potential solutions associated with the integration of SCT data within research projects in terms of research design, data collection, data analysis and reporting, and ethical considerations. The chapter concludes by suggesting some potential future avenues for writing process research enabled by the use of SCT.