In this project, researchers will develop a prototype of an online formative assessment platform to support writing for students in grades three to six. The prototype will include an educator interface to organize assignments with learning modules that present research-based practices on cognitive modeling to support writing instruction, and a writing portal that scaffolds student work using an artificial intelligence algorithm that automatically tracks progress and provides formative feedback. At the end of Phase I in a pilot study with eight teachers and 160 students, researchers will examine the prototype's functionality, ease of use, whether it provides students just in time cues and supports, and students' beliefs about how well the prototype facilitates and improves their writing process. Qualitative research will examine if educators believe the learning modules are useful for supporting instruction of the writing process.
