New users learning to use text-processing systems, especially those who are using self-study materials without expert supervision, must often make sense of actions and events in situations where they have little basis, in prior knowledge or current information, for inferring what is happening or why. Many cases have been observed where learners…

Language arts skills and writing projects can be combined with activities that teach the fundamentals of word processing to improve the language arts curriculum. Suggested lessons cover five writing and editing operations common to most word processing software. (DF)

Describes how a word processor helped children with reading and writing difficulties to improve their language skills. Concludes that the computer can be a powerful tool for learning. (FL)

Discusses the importance of word processing in the postsecondary secretarial science curriculum. Indicates that students must be provided with the background and motivation for job advancement along with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for job entry. (JOW)

Pointing out that teachers and supervisors need to study, analyze, and synthesize diverse issues in the teaching of handwriting, this paper explores several relevant issues. The following issues are discussed: (1) whether handwriting ought to be taught as a separate subject; (2) the conflict between the behaviorism approach--which utilizes precise…

This article describes several examples of how teachers can use integrated software packages (programs that combine word processor, database, and spreadsheet applications) for classroom management and student activities. Examples of documents created with application programs, lists of software, and resources are included. (IAH)

Intended to help educators choose the most appropriate word processing products for elementary school writing instruction, this report provides information about 12 word processor software products and 13 writing activity products. These products and the writing activities they use are as follows: (1) Bank Street Writer III (Activity Files,…

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Collaborative learning in the English classroom actively involves students in learning many useful applications of writing skills for use in future careers. In the work place, for instance, collaboration takes place regularly and group skills are of major importance. Job-related writing involves many forms of collaboration from the start of a…

Review of software designed to help students find and use reference materials covers use of databases and word processing programs to record and organize notes for student research papers and online databases to acquire research materials. Learning activities for teaching how to use these resources include program for computer dictionary. (MBR)

This report reviews student usage of microcomputers in schools and the effects of microcomputer use on their academic achievement. Data was collected using: (1) a national survey from the 1989 international "CompEd" survey of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement; (2) a 1989 survey of teacher attitudes…

Describes different kinds of student correspondence over the writing center network at a state university. Argues that the interaction between student and text via machine promotes good writing and improved motivation, even when the subject matter is as extracurricular as dating. Includes messages from student to student, student to teacher, and…

The nine essays in this collection examine various issues regarding the utilization of computers in the school curriculum, including the selection of objectives, learning activities and appraisal procedures in curriculum development; providing for individual differences among learners; staff development; behaviorism as an emphasis for programmed…