The article presents a review of the literature on the advantages of word processing for both nonhandicapped and visually handicapped students, and discusses a criterion-reference checklist that allows teachers to assess students' skills in use of the Viewscan Textline and text editor as well as providing ongoing documentation of the students'…

Discussing available computer software for prompting for the kinds of computers likely to be used in writing programs, this paper concentrates on categorizing software programs and exploring their "uniquely electronic" features. The paper deals with the following questions: (1) What kinds of planning software are available? (2) What happens when…

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)

A preliminary classroom study is reported in which learning disabled intermediate students participated in a holistic approach that combined the process approach to writing with the word processing capabilities of the microcomputer. Results suggested that improved written language skills on the computer transfer to pencil-and-paper tasks. (CL)

Aspects and applications of word processing in the language classroom are examined, including software structure, keyboard and mouse use, advantages over print media for writing instruction, and possibilities for creating tables of contents, indexes, and chapters. A brief bibliography is included. (MSE)

Describes one teacher's use of a "computer daybook"--an online journal that keeps track of students' progress in learning word processing and in grappling with the problems of writing. Lists several prompts useful for students beginning to learn word processing. (ARH)

Highlights the advantages of word processors and spelling checkers in improving student writing skills. Explains how spelling checkers work and describes the types of available checkers. Also provides lists of Apple, IBM, and Commodore word processors and checkers. (ML)

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.…

Discusses the special needs of foreign language word processing and features that should be considered before investing in word processing equipment. Gutenburg, Jr., a word processing program, is critically reviewed. (LMO)

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)

This study addresses two questions: how can computers be effectively employed in the composition classroom, and to what extent does instruction in writing complement the use of the word processor in developing writing skills? Thirty-eight current research studies on the effects of using word processing to teach composition are reviewed. The…

This paper examines the use of face-to-face peer review (FFPR) and computer-mediated peer review (CMPR) in an Asian English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) academic writing context. The participants were 33 English majors from a university of science and technology in Taiwan, a new type of school offering 2-year associate degree programs in foreign…

To provide students with an opportunity to become computer literate, the University of Michigan has required at least one computer-intensive writing class. A fully equipped computer lab has been provided for students who do not own a computer. In order to determine the most effective technique for teaching students how to use the word processors,…

To determine how useful a computerized text editor would be in helping students to revise their papers, an interactive text manipulation system (Wylbur) was made available to two classes of freshman composition students at the University of California, Los Angeles. Since the course received no advance publicity, students did not know when they…

This report summarizes and synthesizes current research on the effects of using word processors on students' writing performance. The report examines cognitive models of the writing process, issues in the assessment of writing performance, and research on instruction in keyboarding. The work was carried out as part of a course requirement by…