Describes how using split screens allows students to see writing as a complex and recursive yet coherent process rather than as a linear progression of distinct activities. Suggests that "windows" encourage sustained engagement in prewriting by opening accessible passageways for movement from prewriting and planning to drafting and…

Examines the contexts of human-computer interaction, and argues that understanding word-processing research done in that setting can enrich thinking about the impact of teaching writing with the use of computers. Suggests issues developed in recent word-processing studies that may interest future researchers. (KEH)

Argues that low-cost speech synthesizers used to read drafts back to students are potentially valuable aids to revision. Suggests possible classroom applications, and describes the kinds of assistance synthesizers offer writers while still allowing them to diagnose problems and to formulate their own plans for revision. (KEH)

Suggests that writing is a rhythmic activity. Claims that the combined effect of rapidly switching between composing and revising is to set up complex cycles of engagement and reflection that may disrupt the flow of composition. Describes "Writer's Assistant," a writing environment designed to study computer support for writing processes. Proposes…

Describes an experimental computer program called the "Writing Environment" designed to help writers create well-structured texts on-screen. Outlines a study done in which writers were asked to use the program so that their writing strategies could then be analyzed. Provides data and conclusions of the study. (HB)

Presents some general principles about using computers in writing instruction. Describes several categories of computer software, including word processing, pre-writing programs, revision tools, text analysis, and tutorials. Answers several questions commonly asked about computer programs in writing instruction. (MM)

Examines the work of five researchers who have conducted studies of writing with computers or writing with computer-assisted instruction in the following areas: composing with word processing; writing improvement attributed to computers; instructional software; computer networks for writing; and collaborative writing through telecommunications.…

Illustrates the ideological foundations of computer-assisted composition (CAC) software by comparing two computer-writing aids: "Grammatik II" and "Interchange." Notes that many of the best CAC programs have come out of the composition classroom. Argues that English departments must support and reward those who work in CAC design. (RS)

Explores how computer-assisted instruction (the ACCESS program) affected teaching goals and student responses in a freshman composition course. Finds that the quantity of student writing increased dramatically. Suggests that word processing offers new ways to provoke students' thoughts, encourage collaboration, and create a lively and interactive…

Assesses how three basic writers adapted word processing to their writing. Finds that basic writers who were given little guidance in integrating the computer into their composing processes generated little material on the screen and in other ways made far less than full use of the word processor. (RS)

Asks undergraduate students to respond to a series of questions by hand and using a word processor. Finds that some students felt profoundly disadvantaged writing by hand, and students who felt uncomfortable on the computer wrote longer and better developed responses in that medium. Suggests that a computer-assisted tutorial may act like L.…

Argues that writing teachers should seize the initiative and design pedagogically appropriate issues for word-processing technology. Proposes a strategy for designing and employing usage checkers to improve sentence-level fluency. Discusses research on usage checkers, sentence-level revision, and instructor intervention. Offers suggestions on…

Argues that the set of style, usage, and spelling check computer programs marketed as "Writer's Workbench" is an effective aid to good writing, giving users the opportunity to edit and revise text depending upon each individual user's purpose. Reports on a survey of teachers' and students' use of "Writer's Workbench" at St.…

Describes the creation and development of a computer software package called SPIRIT which assists secondary students in all phases of the writing process. (NKA)