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)

Presents a method that uses computers for writing placement exams, a "structured decision system." Argues that it is more economical and efficient than the process that uses real people as readers. (SR)

Describes a classroom research project that explores an important feature of the learning context of computer-integrated basic writing classes: verbal response to on-screen student text. Explains methods designed and used. Considers how teachers can work more effectively with basic writers in a computer classroom where writing practice and oral…

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…

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)

Presents findings from 18 reviewed studies with regard to attitude and the quality of writing performance. Discusses pedagogy and the problem of defining basic writers. Suggests research directions that can help move educators toward a new pedagogy. (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…

Notes that joint composition at the computer is common in United Kingdom primary schools. Finds that even children as young as seven years can jointly plan a story at the computer. Uses examples of pupils' discourse while composing to illustrate the processes by which they produced written text. (RS)

Illustrates how the following educational goals are being reached with existing software and hardware: integrating reading and writing instruction; providing a new sense of community among readers; and encouraging a shared exploration of cultural contexts. (MM)

Examines different ways in which a range of computer-mediated communication tools can be used in similar classroom settings. Argues that curriculum design for writing classes is inextricably tied to how computer communications will be used in the class. Presents results of a semester-long study of two first-year writing classes using computers.…

Examines the use of Prep-Editor, a computer program to help undergraduate science writing students communicate with their peers about drafts. Finds that the program did not increase time spent on various writing activities. Notes that the Prep group reported a number of computer-related problems, whereas the non-Prep group reported more…

Examines ways primary-aged children in the United Kingdom and Finland socially construct writing while using computers. Finds children's talk to be highly task-related and to concern mostly composing, not ways in which to use the computer. Suggests that ways in which children interact and write while using computers are embedded in wider…

Examines a sample of conventionally composed and word-processing-assisted essays to assess the computer's effect on progress and competence by determining how students used the computer resources available to them to write their papers in both standard English classes and across the curriculum. (MS)

Reports a protocol study of a freshman composition student to examine how significant a problem it actually is to learn to operate a computer, how influential students' expectations about computers are, whether the use of a computer promoted the importance of invention strategies, and whether computers encourage revision. (MS)

Describes a writing program that addresses adult students' limited access to computers and the program's effect on a pilot group of students. Offers some preliminary conclusions about the effects of computer availability on teaching methodology. (MS)