Describes and reviews a software package called "Writers Network," a writing program that contains teacher tools to minimize the difficulty in evaluating student writing and gives student tools to improve their writing. Notes that this program fosters enthusiastic interest in writing across the curriculum in teachers who might have not used…

Shows how style and usage checkers can be used in writing exercises that encourage a recursive pattern of student revision. Looks at several instructional design ideas that can create "process-centered" revision software that appears heuristic, contextual, and interactive. (RS)

Reviews three computer software programs that can enhance children's story writing: (1) Sunbuddy Writer; (2) Sierra's School House; and (3) Snoopy's Campfire Stories. Describes the capabilities and features of each program as well as the possibilities for expansion. (AA)

Discusses using software along with a "textset" of two books related by theme and topic. Describes two examples that use the software's topic or theme to introduce students to a pair of books. Shows how connections between the software and the books become the impetus for off-line and on-line writing activities. (PRA)

Reviews Monsters and Make-Believe Plus, a computer program which supports learners in their quest to become skilled language users. Finds it to be one of the most powerful software programs available to implement a whole language program. (MG)

Describes and evaluates three software programs for elementary level language arts: (1) "The Princess and the Pea," which connects the fairy tale with the modern world; (2) "PreWrite, Level 1," which helps students identify and develop writing topics; and (3) "Dinosaur Days," a creative graphics and publishing program with speech capabilities. (MM)

Teaching techniques and the use of grammar checking programs are described. Assignments using these programs are suggested. Four specific packages are reviewed. The importance of the revision process in writing is stressed. (CW)

Details the creative writing software program called "Kid Works 2" and claims that it is a solid and useful means of inspiring and fostering creative writing among young students. (HB)

Uses the computer software program "Writer's Helper: Stage II" to illustrate the range of checks possible with various software approaches to the revision of writing. (MM)

Reviews the newest addition to Pelican's Creative Writing Series of instructional software, which uses the comic book format to provide a unique writing environment for satire, symbolism, sequencing, and combining text and graphics to communicate ideas. (SR)

Argues that the set of style, usage, and spelling check computer programs marketed as "Writer's Workbench" is an effective aid to good writing, giving users the opportunity to edit and revise text depending upon each individual user's purpose. Reports on a survey of teachers' and students' use of "Writer's Workbench" at St.…

Reviewed are three computer software packages for use in middle/high school classrooms. Included are "MacWrite II," a word-processing program for MacIntosh computers; "Super Story Tree," a word-processing program for Apple and IBM computers; and "Math Blaster Mystery," for IBM, Apple, and Tandy computers. (CW)

The December 1990 Media Evaluation Services list of computer courseware includes the following: (1) Group Grammar: grades 5-10 identify elements of grammar and mechanics; (2) Ready-Set-Read: Sequence: grades K-2 put pictures or sentences in order; (3) Write-On! Sarah, Plain and Tall: grades 4-7 develop reading, writing, and thinking skills through…

Noting that recent developments in computer technology facilitate the integration of media in literacy development, this paper reviews 18 items of courseware designed to promote literacy development within a whole language framework. The reviews are divided into four sections dealing with the following topics: (1) idea processors and the…

Two issues of this listing (August and September 1990) contain reviews of courseware for kindergarten through grade 12. Entries are classified by subject or application: communication skills, which include instruction in reading and writing; mathematics; microcomputer programing; science; social studies; and utilities (desktop publishing…