Occupational therapists have a long standing history of working side by side teachers to enhance the writing skills of children. More recently, therapists are now promoting literacy and sharing their expertise with fellow professionals. This review will highlight research and resources occupational therapists can utilize to facilitate the literacy…

Offers examples of recent work in the use of computer technology to teach writing. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

Hillsdale High School, in San Mateo, California, installed the nation's first 15-computer Macintosh laboratory donated by Apple Computer, Inc. This article describes the lab and the uses to which it has been put, including computer education, word processing, preparation of student publications, and creative writing instruction. (PGD)

Focusing on the process of composition, lists and discusses problems students have in prewriting, writing, and revising. Solutions to these problems, which involve computer use, include making students aware of the composition process, writing strategies good writers use, audience analysis, grammar review, and need for peer review. (JN)

Describes a junior high school English teacher's experience with using 10 word processors, which encouraged students to write more and to write better. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

Discusses the use of word processing in an experimental business writing course at the University of South Carolina. Students found that word processing made the task of writing and revising easier and more interesting. (JN)

An educator reviews IBM's newest entry into the educational market--a program that promises to teach kindergartners and first graders reading through writing. The program consists of four separate activities through which students are cycled. Brief descriptions of these activities and list of hardware needed are also provided. (JN)

Discusses advantages of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in a community college writing/reading curriculum. Using word processing software, students write reports, themes, and essays on the microcomputer. Other software is used for learning vocabulary, grammar, reading rate and comprehension. Includes problems to avoid to ensure success in CAI…

Word processing may change how people learn to write. The use of a word processor to teach a sixth grader with writing problems showed how the machine can alleviate problems involving writing with pencil and paper, correcting errors, evaluating and revising, and producing a good-looking text. (RW)

Evaluates a Navajo school program to improve writing skills using the process model and computers. Concludes that students' writing skills improved more in the experimental program than in comparable conventional classes, and that the new approach created a different pattern of growth in writing ability. (SV)

First-hand accounts of what teachers have done with students and computers in their classrooms, how students have responded, and what and how teachers have learned from these experiences are discussed in the 19 articles in this book. The articles are presented under these headings: (1) teaching writing with word processors; (2) learning to inquire…

Identifying types of available courseware, examining potentially useful items, and generating ideas about directions composition instructors at Drexel University might take in adapting quality software for the Macintosh and designing courseware for their specific educational needs are the identified goals in Part I of this Report entitled "A…

Existing and potential applications of the computer to writing instruction are outlined, including choosing and developing a subject, text analysis, simulation, and motivation. Some concerns about computer use in writing instruction are also discussed. (MSE)

There is really no theoretical difference between standard education and distance education; the difference is in the mediation of the transactions between teachers and students. Distance education writing courses can be successful provided the instructor uses a strong text, states his or her guidelines clearly, tutors well on computer, and offers…

This article describes a training program that was developed to prepare teachers who were to work with students using a computer-based writing program called QUILL. Training methods, winning administrative support, and follow-up activities are discussed. (PP)