A group of 41 business communication students were taught to use a grammar/style checker and completed a writing exercise. Compared to 44 controls who did not use the software, there were no differences in error scores. Previous computer experience did not affect scores, but prior language skills may have influenced them. (SK)

Demonstrates how text editing programs can become the platform for a higher volume of student foreign language production, provide a greater variety of writing assignments in the second language, and make grading and writing management easier for language teachers. (21 references) (Author/CB)

Synthesizing research on writing instruction using word processors, this annotated bibliography contains 28 references of articles and papers in the ERIC database. The first section includes strategies, techniques, exercises, activities, and ideas on how to use time on a word processor most effectively. Articles and papers discussing the numerous…

Outlines the advantages of computerization for both individual writers on staff and for the journalism teacher and advisor. (CRH)

Reviews some word processing programs that facilitate the writing task. These programs cover the following areas: 1) spelling; 2) punctuation and style; 3) thesauruses; 4) sexist language; 5) text and author statistics; 6) footnotes; 7) indexes; and 8) bibliography. Also provides an outline of the "Computer Education Assistance Act" of 1985 (S.…

The word processor helps teachers to use the process approach to writing. In using the word processor, the teacher can create tasks on the computer to assist students during each step of the writing process, i.e., prewriting or idea processing, drafting or writing, revising/rewriting or editing, and the publishing process or communicating. Ideas…

Describes an experiment introducing a word processor as a tool for writing in a fourth-grade classroom. Discusses resulting effects on the writing process, especially, revision and editing and on attitudes toward collaborative efforts. (SD)

Students in three fifth grade classes were pretested on identification and correction of errors in written composition. Instruction on revision was provided to instructional groups differing only in tools used for editing: paper and pencil, word processing, or a combination. Attitude questionnaire and posttest results indicated less positive…

Concludes that textual analysis with computers intrigues college writers and speeds learning of editing skills by offering immediate, reliable, and consistent attention to surface features of their prose. (HOD)

Addressing writing instruction for students with special needs, this annotated bibliography contains 26 references of articles and papers in the ERIC database. The citations in the first section discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using word processors in writing instruction with learning disabled (LD) students and suggest instructional…

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Divided into two sections, this report outlines several components of computer based instruction in the composing process. The first section, which focuses on the use of computers in editing, generating ideas, and producing text, presents a users' manual for composition instruction on a microcomputer, a general description of how computer based…

These 14 learning activity packets (LAPs) are self-paced study lessons that allow students to proceed along a course of study for WordPerfect 4.2 word processing at their own pace. Lessons are presented in a "read and do" format. A review concludes each lesson. The lessons cover getting started; underline, bold, centering, auto indent,…

Synthesized speech was added to a word processor used by children in grades two and five. Each student wrote four stories on a microcomputer and received spoken feedback on two of them. It was found that students wrote longer stories, edited more, and enjoyed writing more with the spoken feedback. (24 references) (LAE)

Discussion of programs for analyzing the writing of students using word processors focuses on six categories of available software that can help to improve students' writing skills: error checkers, reformatters, audience awareness programs (including reader's needs and readability formulas), student conferencing utilities, grading utilities, and…