The article describes the advantages of word processing for children with problems affecting motor coordination and control or with disorders affecting memory, planning, spelling, and organization. Stressed is the importance of software selection, instruction, and computer access. (DB)

The format of a model vocational evaluation report for special education students is described in terms of components: student information and data, test results, and recommendations. Adaptation of the model for word processing has increased report writing efficiency. (CL)

This article describes how one secondary writing teacher integrated two computer-assisted strategies into her writing curriculum to enable students to use writing as a means of thinking. Strategies involved providing feedback on other students' writing and on addressing issues of interest in online synchronous chats. Application with students who…

Developed to fill a gap in preservice and inservice training, the materials focus on training special education administrators and program specialists to use computers in program management. Materials include packets to be reproduced for participants as well as outlines, transparency masters, lists of audiovisual materials, and scripts for…

The document is part of the final report on Project STEEL (Special Teacher Education and Evaluation Laboratory) intended to extend the utilization of technology in the training of preservice special education teachers. This volume focuses on the second of four project objectives, the development of a special education teacher computer literacy…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on the use of computers to improve skills and attitudes in writing instruction. Pre-writing tools such as group brainstorming, story webs, free-writing, journal entries, and prewriting guides help generate ideas and can be carried out either on or off…

This curriculum and set of support materials are intended to help special educators and others incorporate assistive writing technologies into the writing curriculum and teach the student with a disability how to use the technology. Materials are included to be placed at each computer, which cover the operating basics for both Macintosh and…

This paper is a series of lesson plans designed to assist teachers with the instruction of the exceptional learner. The focus is on identifying what the exceptional learner needs, and provides specific lesson plans that met those needs. Exceptional learners experience difficulty with spelling, organization, and metacognition. Detailed directions…

The paper describes the Writing to Read instructional system and its implementation in five Albuquerque (New Mexico) public schools with kindergarten, first grade, and special education students. The Writing to Read System is a multisensory, multimedia literacy program and involves five types of materials: a computer-based instructional program;…

A list of microcomputing competencies associated with functions that special education professors typically perform was assessed by 148 special education faculty who use microcomputers. Word processing was rated as the single most useful competency, along with the category of providing instruction about microcomputer applications in special…

This book describes the practice of using learner-centered software in special education. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 provides a discussion of software that goes beyond drill and practice and at the same time fits easily into the existing subject areas of reading/language arts and mathematics. Chapters 3 and 4 discuss using word…

The use of microcomputers in language arts instruction with exceptional students can be an effective tool for both teaching and reinforcing skills, but is not typically employed as an integral part of the overall language arts curriculum. Research studies substantiate the positive impact on student performance when microcomputers are effectively…

This guide provides a collection of ideas for word processing activities that teachers have found to be useful in special education classes. The guide begins with a list of 41 computer skills, the grade levels at which the skills are usually introduced (from kindergarten to secondary levels), and provides names of commercial programs which may be…

This set of information sheets is intended to improve practice in special education through technology, media, and materials. The first information profile introduces NCIP (the National Center to Improve Practice), gives an example of how one special education administrator uses NCIP resources, and offers suggestions for facilitating NCIP…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide is specifically directed to special education teachers and encourages them to become critical consumers of technology to ensure its most effective use. Brief descriptions of the various uses of the computer in the school setting--as an instructional tool, as an…