Writing is the highest form of thinking, as evidenced by neuroimaging that shows how more neural networks are activated simultaneously during writing than during any other cognitive activity. This book will help teachers understand how the brain learns to write by unveiling 15 stages of thinking that underpin the writing process, along with…

Reports an interview with Joel Fried, founder of Pelican Software Incorporated. Describes several developments in writing software for elementary level students. (MM)

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)

Provides an overview of online education models developed by commercial and academic institutions. Examines some rhetorical strategies used to talk about online education. Outlines some of the main players and positions involved in debates about online education. Suggests strategies that academic groups might explore. Considers how composition and…

Explores the software behind the interface of the programs used in composition classrooms. Places the production of software in a cultural context. Compares hypertext, structured programming, and natural-language writing. Suggests that writing instructors think about ways to customize programs used in their composition classes and to understand…

Discusses the following issues associated with designing ideal university microcomputer classrooms: (1) campus vs. departmental classrooms; (2) finding space; (3) furnishings; (4) classroom layout; (5) selecting hardware; (6) selecting software; and (7) funding. (MM)

Reports an interview with Peter Kelman of Scholastic Software. Describes several developments in writing software for elementary and secondary level students. (MM)

Examines how style analysis programs can assist the writing process. Outlines a method for introducing this tool to business communication students with a minimum amount of guidance. Recommends that business communication faculty are best qualified to introduce their students to the uses of computers to enhance the communication process. (MM)

Examines the contexts of human-computer interaction, and argues that understanding word-processing research done in that setting can enrich thinking about the impact of teaching writing with the use of computers. Suggests issues developed in recent word-processing studies that may interest future researchers. (KEH)

Examines several new writing environments, including prompted writing, text-based writing environments, graphics-enhanced environments, and hypertext environments. Evaluates each from an instructional perspective. (MM)

Desktop publishing (DTP) is growing increasingly popular in the writing classroom for several reasons. By using DTP, students gain experience in a variety of disciplines--writing, typesetting, graphic design, printing, and computing. DTP represents a revolutionary literacy tool for schools since it encourages students to create and publish…

Describes the parallels between writing in English and LOGO in planning, audience awareness, and revision and gives guidelines for making students aware of these useful ideas. (CRH)

Discusses three different types of databases: utility database programs, add-on databases, and stand-alone databases. Describes how databases motivate students' reading and writing. (MM)

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)

Designed for use by South Carolina school districts planning to include microcomputer language arts software for grades one through eight in teaching the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) objectives in grades one through eight, this booklet presents titles of software programs given a favorable review by review services, and correlates them…