This study used a modified multiple-baseline design to determine the effects on the writing performance of seven students with special needs when a talking word processor with spell checker software was used independent of and in conjunction with word prediction software as accommodations in daily writing exercises. Results indicated that, in…

In this article, I discuss research on the use of technology to support the writing of students with learning disabilities. Struggling writers can benefit from a wide range of computer applications for writing. Word processing, spelling checkers, word prediction, and speech recognition offer support for transcription and revision. Word processing…

This study demonstrated that abstracts composed with the aid of a computer were rated higher than those without a computer. Categories assessed included spelling/punctuation, organization/design, sentence structure, clarity, and overall quality. Subjects were 68 students participating in the 1984 Secondary Student Training (SST) Research Program…

Lists eight spelling checkers for word processing (including program name, word processor and computer compatibility, current cost, and source). Also reviews research findings related to the teaching of spelling and offers reasons why spelling checkers may help in teaching children how to spell well. (JN)

Reviews five books of research on teaching, including teaching with a word processor, peer response groups, mastery teaching, and teaching adolescents. (RS)

Adolescent literacy achievement across the United States is in crisis. More than eight million students in grades 4 to 12 are identified as struggling readers. These students, who perform below grade level in reading and writing, are at high risk for failure in all content subjects and ultimately for dropping out of school. Professionals in the…

Provides information gained from a survey of 129 university departments of journalism. Reports that most now use personal computers and video display terminals to teach editing and news writing. (FL)

Investigates the effect of microcomputer typing tutorials on students' typing speed. Finds that the typing tutorial was effective regardless of the environment (supervised or unsupervised), grade level, gender, or prior typing experience. (RS)

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)

Compares course completion rates for students enrolled in sections of a required first-year writing course taught in a microcomputer laboratory/classroom to the course completion rates for pen-and-paper sections of the same course. Finds higher course completion rates for students enrolled in the microcomputer sections. (RS)

Analysis of attitude and use questionnaires completed by undergraduates (n1,444) at Wake Forest University determined that computers were used most frequently for word processing. Other uses were e-mail for task and non-task activities and mathematical and statistical computation. Results suggest that the level of computer use was related to…

Reports results of a survey of writing center tutors concerning their attitudes toward computer use. Finds that tutors in the writing center are largely confident in using word processing programs for their own writing needs and that tutors assume the students they tutor will use computers for revision of papers. (RS)

Presents a case study of one second-grade teacher's classroom action research project in which she explores how and when students decided to use electronic editing tools to revise their writing. Discusses factors that influenced student's editing choices and their ability to work in pairs. Considers implications for the use of computers in…

This metanalysis reviews 32 studies that compared 2 groups of students receiving identical writing instruction, with only 1 group using word processing for writing assignments. Word processing improved the quality of student writing but did not improve student attitudes. Suggestions are given for using word processing more effectively. (SLD)

Analysis of a survey of 216 faculty members of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) determined that more instructors had experience using e-mail and word processing whereas fewer had experience with software presentation, multimedia, and distance education. The findings indicate a need for faculty development since distance learning…