Designed to tap the rich collection of instructional techniques in the ERIC database, this compilation of lesson plans offers practical suggestions for incorporating computers into the English/language arts classroom at both the elementary and secondary level. Because many teachers and administrators are using computers for the first time, the…

The goal of this 2-year project was to examine applications of microcomputer technology in classrooms for students with severe handicaps. Staff members in 12 classrooms in the School District of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) were taught to use Apple IIe microcomputer systems and various peripheral devices. Teachers in these classrooms found word…

This 64-item bibliography focuses on the effect of keyboarding on middle school students' composition writing, using word processing. The bibliography (which surveys selections dating from 1956 through 1989) includes those studies describing the feasibility of teaching touch typing keyboarding skills to middle school students, the value of…

Along with its companion teacher's guide, this student study text teaches writing skills needed to pass the New York Regents Competency Test (RCT) in Writing, using the computer as an instrument of instruction. The guide is arranged in three sections that match the tasks required on the RCT Writing Test: (1) The Business Letter; (2) The Report;…

A study investigated how young children use the word processor as a tool in their development as writers. Forty children, ages 4 through 7, from a university laboratory school in a small midwestern community, participated in the study. Videotapings and audiotapings during writing events served as the primary means of data collection. These were…

Divided into three sections, this book presents a selection of papers arising from a conference that focused on the impact of recent technological advancements on the development and teaching of reading. An introduction by J. M. Ewing provides general insight on this topic. Identifying major concerns, the first section includes: "Reading and…

This first-year progress report considers the objectives and achievements of CompuEnglish, a project developed at Saddleback College's North Campus (California) to introduce word processing skills into traditional composition classes. Section I offers a summary report on progress as of 1985, reviewing the four phases of project implementation and…

Designed to be used as a reference and guide for students enrolled in the CompuEnglish Program at Saddleback College North (SCN) in California, this workbook introduces word processing skills that can be used to write better compositions for English and other classes. The workbook contains a copy of the syllabus used in SCN's Freshman Composition…

A protocol study investigated whether computer tutors (programs that interactively guide writers while they freewrite with a word processing program) promote or hinder a richer understanding of the composing process. The analysis focused on writers' attitudes toward computer tutors in the invention process. Data were collected by tape recording a…

To characterize the influence of various constraints on students' composing processes, a study investigated the (1) type of instructions students received prior to their composing and revising sessions, (2) mode of production--whether a computer or paper and pencil was used for composition and revision, and (3) effect of skill level on students'…

The use of microcomputers as word processors for writing papers is commonplace in English departments, but there are many less well-known uses that English teachers can make of the computer. For example, word processing programs can be used to teach sentence combining. Moving text on the screen is very easy, so it is possible to rearrange words or…

A study examined the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a curriculum designed to teach 60 college level developmental reading students to use microcomputers (Apple) as learning tools and to improve their content area reading ability. The textbook from a biology course in which all but three of the subjects were enrolled was the source for…

Reports in the ERIC database have found that computer-assisted writing instruction has some effect--if not a dramatic impact--in both the quantity and quality of student writing. Although computers are becoming more common in schools, the influx of computers into schools may not assure students ample opportunity to use them. Limited time-on-task…

With the advent of the computer revolution, major changes are underway in the ways campuses deal with computing and computers. One change is the gathering momentum of faculty members and administrators to become computer users. Another is the vast amount of individual and institutional effort invested in plans for integrating computing into the…

This two reviews of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are intended to provide a general outline of the major issues involved in the use of computers in education. The 1986 review focuses on definitions, computer usage, achievement gains, staff development, and trends, while the 1986-87 update focuses in particular on the…