Suggests grammar checkers remain troublesome and inaccurate. Reviews the literature of grammar checker technology in composition. Analyzes the current grammar checking capability of the most popular word-processing programs in the United States, Microsoft 2000 and Corel 9.0 (2000). Concludes by suggesting uses of grammar checkers for composition…

Literature on word processing (WP) and writing in elementary classrooms is reviewed. Five propositions are constructed to provide a schema for understanding what is known and needs to be learned about young writers and WP. WP's effects on students' composing processes, written products, attitudes, and keyboarding/systems skills are considered.…