Suggests that in order to help students learn to write effectively in digital media, educators need to develop modes of critical attention responsive to the full range of semiotic components that can be used as signifying elements in electronic work, including animation, sound, graphics, screen design, and navigational functionalities. (SG)

Describes three main uses of computers for writing as a social activity: networking, telecommunications, and project work. Examines advantages and disadvantages of teaching writing on a network. Argues that reports in the literature and the example of an English as a foreign language writing class show that project work shares most of the…

Suggests that the annual conference on computers and writing has remained on the cutting edge of technology and composition pedagogy. Notes changes--presenters discuss their uses of commercial applications rather than demonstrate homemade programs; instructors are more concerned with how users may manipulate others through technology; and the…

Examines the effects of word processing on writing quality and the amount of text produced by basic writers. Finds that students using computers wrote more, but that there was no difference in quality between those who used a word processor and those who did not. (MS)

Explores the notion of computer access for composition students. Focuses on the need for a more complex understanding of access, given the real conditions under which students write. Notes that analyzing the issue requires attention to traditional configurations of class and ownership and to the ways that current and ever-changing student working…

Provides annotated citations to articles, research reports, resources guides, and a newsletter about the use of computer networks for real-time written interaction in writing classrooms. Notes that these annotations offer a broad and varied introduction to computer networking in the writing classroom. (KEH)

Argues that composition instruction should be based upon a design model mirroring composition's process-based pedagogy, by asking students to plan, transform, evaluate and revise media-rich, hypertextual documents. Comments on an assignment that demonstrates how an integrated composition might be constructed using the design model. Concludes that…

Suggests introduction of hypertext markup language (HTML) into the composition classroom turns the traditional composition course into a hybrid language/writing/computer course. Concludes this curricular change necessitates political action on the part of technology-focused teachers, for instance the establishment of new types of teaching…

Examines 10 hardback college-level writing handbooks published in 1985 and 1986 by 9 major publishers. Finds that word processing has assumed a place in college writing but that authors and publishers have not found a substantial place for word processing in composition instruction. (RS)

Investigates the historical nature of hypertext research on reading and writing. Examines selected literature published between 1987 and 1994, showing that this literature does not move beyond asserting "opportunity" and "potential" when describing the use of hypertext in the writing classroom. Proposes a theoretical and pedagogical agenda for…

Presents teaching variations with a word-processing package and related tools that enable teachers to develop different computer-writing pedagogies for their distinct contexts: traditional classroom, computer lab, or some combination of both. Emphasizes that teachers who re-envision teaching with regard to available technology can create dynamic…

Provides a brief history of research in word processing and writing, describes the use of word processing as a writing aid, and discusses the problems and issues in research design in the area of word processing instruction. (MG)

Analyzes the role of computers in supporting the writing process in a large-scale, multisite action research study into use of computers as tools for learning. Notes that the computers and desktop publishing significantly affected the conduct of the action research as well as the collaborative relationship between teacher-researchers and the…

Suggests the learning curve of a multi-user, object-oriented domain (MOO) blockades effective use. Discusses use of an IBM/PC-compatible interface that allows developers to modify the interface to provide a sense of presence for the user. Concludes that work in programming a variety of interfaces has led to a more intuitive environment for…

Explores the possibility of a doctoral degree program in computers and writing by distance. Reports current developments in graduate education by distance with particular attention to the types of students best served by such programs. Proposes a doctoral degree by distance that unites adult returning graduate students with prospective mentors…