The paper describes two experiments conducted to improve writing skills of learning disabled adolescents. Experiment 1 used creative prompts plus a cut and paste editing strategy. In experiment 2, the same creative prompts were used with the Bank Street word processing program. Writing samples were scored for composition quality (holistic, number…

The article describes typical kinds of writing problems found in fourth grade learning disabled students and discusses ways in which the computer makes the child's planning and composing problems more accessible to teacher help. Similarly, pitfalls of such accessibility are also cited. (CL)

The article describes ways in which learning disabled students can use simple database management and word processing programs as active users. Involvement in these types of computer applications allows the user to be an active, creative communicator. (CL)

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)

Instructional strategies for teaching learning-disabled students to use word processing for writing are considered. The features of three word processing programs useful for these students are compared for usefulness in a variety of curriculum applications. (Author/DB)

Computer software that promotes creative and higher level thinking skills and develops writing ability in gifted students with learning disabilities is examined. Brief descriptions and appropriate grade levels are offered for such programs as "Science Toolkit,""Advisor,""VCR Companion,""Rocky's Boots,""Hinky/Pinky,""Story Sketches,""Author!…

Describes the strategies used by a technical writing teacher who encouraged a dyslexic university engineering student to use a microcomputer as an aid in composition writing, and discusses how a word processing program was used to make the writing process easier and increase the student's self-confidence. (MBR)

A study investigated spell check programs to determine how they differ in producing target words in the first position in the replacement list for misspellings generated by 111 students with learning disabilities in grades 3-8. Overall, the spell checkers were ineffective in producing target words first in the replacement list. (Contains…

The paper describes and evaluates the use of computer instruction with three student populations: severely handicapped, severely emotionally handicapped, and learning handicapped. In the first instance, instruction was aimed at helping severely handicapped students operate software as independently as possible. Important steps in the instructional…

Designed for use by elementary school teachers, this discussion paper discusses the use of the word processor in the teaching of writing. The paper examines both the positive and negative aspects of computer use. After comparing the writing process with the problem solving process, the newsletter provides articles relating teachers' experiences…

The annotated bibliography presented in this document reflects the focus of the first year of a three-year federally funded research program intended to shed light on the writing processes of learning disabled college-aged writers. With special emphasis on the use of technology in creating workable, mainstreamed curricula, this bibliography…

As part of a three-year federally funded research program intended to shed light on the writing processes of learning disabled college-aged writers (with special emphasis on the use of technology in creating workable mainstreamed curricula), this paper records in an interview format the responses of students to the program, including word…

Since word-processing applications of microcomputers show a great deal of promise in helping learning disabled adults overcome writing problems, care should be given in selecting the software that they use. In considering what shared needs must be addressed when selecting word-processing software, it is necessary to isolate some of these needs,…

A study involving 106 elementary and secondary students with learning disabilities and 97 typical peers found that students who used spelling and grammar checkers were more successful than transition group students in reducing mechanical errors, particularly non-real-word spelling errors, and in making positive changes from first to final drafts.…

Advantages and disadvantages of word processing as a tool for teaching written self-expression to students with learning disabilities are discussed, research on its effectiveness is examined, available word-processing programs are reviewed, and guidelines for software selection are provided. (Author/MSE)