Two varieties of user-friendly computer systems that deal with natural language are now available, providing either at-the-monitor stylistic and grammatic correction of keyed-in writing or a sorting, selecting, and generating of statistical data for any written or spoken document. The editor programs, such as "The Writer's Workbench"…

A review of the literature on computers and writing reveals that a dichotomy exists. The great debate that has been taking place in the world of writing instruction mirrors the emerging debate concerning the implementation of computers in education. Applications and research fall into one of two categories: the computer as a teaching instrument of…

Describes ways in which speech synthesizers and adaptive software for microcomputers enable visually impaired office workers and professionals to use computers in much the same way as their sighted colleagues. Several speech synthesizers and computer programs are described, as well as experiences of blind persons in a variety of positions. (MBR)

In this article, I focus on a review of the existing research pertaining to the use of word processors in K-6 writing classrooms and the effects of technologies on students' writing ability. As integrated as technology appears to be in today's curriculum, the effects of using word processors for writing enhancement, instruction and practice…

Two French computer software packages that can be of assistance in teaching French-as-a-Second-Language are described and discussed. One, an authoring aid, contains the format for a series of dialogues and comprehension questions. The other allows the production and manipulation of databases and texts. (MSE)

Examines the cognitive needs of novice writers and the role of word processors in the instruction of those writers. Reviews writing software in the categories of idea organizers, text analyzers, process prompters, communication packages, and artificially intelligent writing environments. Suggests future research areas. (SG)

Reviews recent research concerning the use of computers in language arts instruction, reporting little impact on writing quality, but improvement in students' attitudes toward writing. Provides suggestions for effective computer use and warnings concerning their limitations and misuse in the teaching of basic writers. (DMM)

Research offers educators information on the skills that will be needed by office employees as new technologies are introduced into the workplace. Surveys and studies sponsored by private organizations as well as private businesses indicate that employers still require secretaries to have a solid foundation in the more traditional secretarial…

A selective review of research dealing with emerging organizational electronic communication technologies from the communication, management, and organizational psychology literature was divided into four categories: word processing, electronic mail, computer conferencing, and teleconferencing (audio/video). The analysis was directed specifically…

Writing instructors teaching in computer classrooms recognize that the goals and content of these writing courses have changed since precomputer days. While the emphasis is still on writing, skills related to producing texts in electronic environment are also being taught. Technology is changing the nature of writing instruction, the writing…

The annotated bibliography presented in this document reflects the focus of the first year of a three-year federally funded research program intended to shed light on the writing processes of learning disabled college-aged writers. With special emphasis on the use of technology in creating workable, mainstreamed curricula, this bibliography…

A review of the use of specific word processing programs to teach foreigners English language composition discusses advantages and disadvantages of such features as spelling checkers, prompting markers, and formatting programs. Suggestions are presented for enhancing students' writing skills both with and without word processing help. (CB)

Reviews some word processing programs that facilitate the writing task. These programs cover the following areas: 1) spelling; 2) punctuation and style; 3) thesauruses; 4) sexist language; 5) text and author statistics; 6) footnotes; 7) indexes; and 8) bibliography. Also provides an outline of the "Computer Education Assistance Act" of 1985 (S.…

Reviews literature on specific computer systems and automated text editing and publishing. Concludes that most such research is being carried out by teachers of composition rather than technical writing and that research by most technical writing teachers is applied research designed to solve problems posed by professionals in the field. (HTH)

This article discusses several general areas in which computers can add more substantially to the quality of education: (1) rapid diagnosis; (2) rapid feedback; (3) exploratory/laboratory experiences; (4) computer literacy; and (5) word processing. (JMK)