We present a case study of co-creating a policy for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in a writing course at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Students and faculty in two sections of a required 1st-year writing course worked to draft and respond to a policy about AI and then reflected on the experience. Student reflections…

Second language (L2) writing research has demonstrated that young learners discuss linguistic issues, make use of feedback, and show a generally positive disposition toward writing tasks. However, many issues deserve further investigation. Regarding task implementation, few studies have been conducted with young learners writing individually, and…

Second language writing researchers have examined the affordances of Automated Writing Evaluation programs in providing immediate feedback that helps improve students' writing outputs. However, a little is known about tracking learners' process during writing essays and whether much/less pauses made by learners could predict good/poor quality of…

Purpose: The primary goal of this study was to document the progression of the microstructural elements of written language in children at 4 grade levels. The secondary purpose was to ascertain whether the variables selected for examination could be classified into valid categories that reflect the multidimensional nature of writing. Method:…

Surveys 25 people who use databases at work to discover the ways in which social and organizational factors affect users' tasks and their acquisition of knowledge and skills. Finds that learning to use databases for complex tasks in work entails more than simply learning concepts and procedures for executing program functions. (PRA)

Investigates the extent to which draft reviews improved the technical accuracy of two computer documents. Finds that draft reviews encouraged reviewers to make suggestions about all aspects of a document, not only technical accuracy. Recommends that draft reviews be supplemented by numerous other quality control techniques such as user reviews and…

Evaluates "Editor," arguably the most sophisticated grammar and style checker. Tests its effectiveness by using samples from one student and one published writer. Finds that "Editor" is limited to identifying problems in surface structure and that it sometimes identifies "errors" which are not errors while failing to…

Surveys 28 expert technical editors regarding their views on editing and how computer-based tools could aid their work. Finds that the editing environment, the process of editing, the skills involved, and the errors found all influenced the types of tools need. Names tools the editors used and suggests others that should be developed. (SR)

Analyzes collaborations between software manual writers and graphic designers to discover how their processes of collaboration directly affect the form of a finished manual. Identifies three models of collaboration: assembly line (linear drafting), swap meet (iterative drafting and joint problem solving), and symphony (codevelopment in every…

Examines the collegiate version of "Writer's Workbench" (a computer program that analyzes the surface elements of students' writing and provides feedback to assist in revision) on the writing of sophomore technical writing students. Concludes that "Writer's Workbench" can be an effective but limited tool for technical writing…

Assessed the effects of students' use of "Writer's Workbench" (a collection of computer textual analysis programs) in the business communication class. Found that assignment grades improved by the third semester, which may reflect the extensive refinements the authors made to the programs after the first two semesters. (PD)

Investigates the need to include computer screens in documentation for software using a graphical user interface. Describes the uses and purposes of "minimal manuals" and their principles. Studies student reaction to their use of one of three on-screen manuals: screens, icon, and button. Finds some benefit for including icon and button…

A study elaborated on the results of previous research on the effectiveness of the R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment) software by examining the effects of the student factor of learner-control and the environmental factor of the teacher's preferred instructional style on student writing performance. R-WISE includes 3 specific…

Based on the results of research concerning the characteristics of adults as learners and theory of individual learning styles, suggests that software documentation should be organized with a flexible format, and with content that relates each piece of software to the user's relevant past experience. (SKC)

Uses four case studies to explore four areas in which computers affect the process of tutoring other writers: tutor-to-client dialogue; macrostructural revision; surface editing; and printing. Shows how the computer has some unexpected catalytic effects on human interactions. (MM)