Reviews 34 computer programs designed to help freshman writing students and their teachers either by providing instruction, supporting the composing process, or helping to manage classroom activities. Most of the programs run on microcomputers and are currently available; a few are included because they indicate interesting trends. (MBR)

Examines the structure of undergraduate computing at a large private university, including patterns of use, impact of computer ownership and gender, and the bureaucratic structure in which usage is embedded. The profile of computer use uncovered in a survey is compared with reports offered by the institution and the trade press. (10 references)…

Describes study designed to investigate students' attitudes and strategies when writing with the aid of a computer. Interviews with four undergraduates enrolled in a computer-assisted section of advanced composition are discussed, and participant observation and document analysis are also used to examine the combined processes of composing and…

Discussion of the use of text analysis software by basic writers in college courses focuses on a study conducted in 1982-83 at Colorado State University that investigated the benefits of using the Writer's Workbench software in a basic writing program. Data are reported on holistically scored writing samples, editing quizzes, and student…

Discussion of the use of computers as research tools to analyze the writing process focuses on a microcomputer-based software program, Recording WordStar. Studies using the software are described, including comparisons of traditional writing methods with word processing methods and utilization of the software's ability to play back a composition…

Describes observations of six freshman developmental writers composing with a word processor and computerized prewriting and revising aids, i.e., WANDAH, marketed as HBJ Writer. Stimulated recall sessions using videotapes of the participants' writing are described, the writing process is discussed, and two detailed case studies are presented.…

Describes a computer applications course developed for undergraduate biology students (primarily sophomores) to teach word processing, database and spreadsheet programs, graphing programs, telecommunications, and file transfer procedures. AppleWorks software is discussed, course content is explained, and the microcomputer laboratory is described.…

Describes a teaching technique that uses word processing software to automate the process of providing feedback about psychology assignments in a microcomputer-based laboratory course. Automation of the feedback process is explained, benefits to students and instructors are discussed, and student reactions are reported. (six references) (LRW)

Describes the computer literacy requirement of the Professional Teacher Preparation Program at Arizona State University. Highlights include microcomputer-based software used; word processing; database skills; spreadsheet tasks; teacher utilities for producing graphic materials, generating tests and practice exercises, and keeping records; and…

Discussion of uses of microcomputers in teaching college level composition covers software and hardware currently available, future trends in development of both, suggestions for teachers on how to introduce students to this writing medium most constructively, and the role and ultimate usefulness of microcomputers in writing instruction.…

Describes the computer-assisted composition laboratory at Methodist College (North Carolina) and explains software developed for freshman composition that combines skills for writing essays, word processing, and a spell-checker. Faculty and student attitudes are reported, and suggestions for future freshman composition courses are given. (LRW)

Discussion of the role of computers in teaching basic writers to write focuses on a study of college students that examined the quality of student essays produced with word processing versus paper and pencil, described the kinds of thinking evidenced, and investigated whether any differences were gender related. (20 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the use of microcomputer-assisted instruction for advanced college writing courses emphasizes word processing exercises and programmed lessons. Topics discussed include computer writing labs, local area networks, commercially available software for writing instruction, teacher developed programs, and authoring languages and authoring…

Three articles discuss: (1) a Montana State University pilot project utilizing a local area network for word processing; (2) an interdisciplinary arrangement between Purdue University's Electrical Engineering and English Departments which utilizes computers to teach writing to engineering students; and (3) whether computers should be used to teach…

Describes study that examined the effect of the use of microcomputers as word processors in a college freshman English composition course. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, dependent and independent variables are explained, and results based on pretest and posttest writing samples are analyzed. (21 references) (LRW)