Noting that (1) current research suggests that technology may contribute to improved instruction in writing but it does not do so automatically, and (2) while teachers may successfully employ computers with their writing students, their choices of methods remain critical, this paper surveys computer approaches and appropriate software for…

The 24 papers in these proceedings describe computer technology and its many applications to the educational process. Topics discussed include computer systems in the classroom of the future; how to evaluate a school's computer program; computer use in special education; computer science and the liberal arts; keyboarding issues; making the…

Case studies are presented for seven Los Angeles area (California) high schools that worked with Pepperdine University in the IBM/ETS (International Business Machines/Educational Testing Service) Model Schools program, a project which provided training for selected secondary school teachers in the use of personal computers and selected software as…

Reviews research on the efficacy of word processing programs in teaching students how to revise their papers and speculates on what kinds of programs will be available in the future. (JC)

Discusses some of the processes children use in learning words and putting them into intelligible contexts. Describes some of the difficulties children can have when trying to learn new vocabulary. Briefly reports on efforts to use interactive video technology to enable children to access new words. (TW)

Describes different kinds of student correspondence over the writing center network at a state university. Argues that the interaction between student and text via machine promotes good writing and improved motivation, even when the subject matter is as extracurricular as dating. Includes messages from student to student, student to teacher, and…

The origins, organization, and methods of a Columbia University course offering computer-based instruction in French composition are outlined, and the progress of four individual students is described. (MSE)

The paper discusses: features of word processors and their impact on the writing process and the social context for writing; research on word processors in schools and the potential instructional role of extensions to word processors, such as spelling and style checkers, synthesized speech output, computer networks, and interactive prompting…

Reviews concepts which form the basis for a communicative approach to foreign language software design. Examples of communicative program formats, the role of Local Area Networks, and teachers' roles in designing and implementing such software are also discussed. (Author/CB)

The nature of literacy associated with the widely used new medium of microcomputers has not been fully exploited by schools to foster development of literacy programs. Microcomputer applications need integration with classroom activities where students construct language meaning. (19 references) (CJH)

Describes project at Bradley University that equipped freshman residence hall rooms with microcomputers. Highlights include student characteristics; academic performance; surveys of use of microcomputers; networking versus stand-alone uses; duration of computer use times and times of day of use; and sex differences in computer use. (Three…

Describes five studies on educational computing: (1) word processing and writing processes in colleges; (2) simulations and problem solving for learning disabled high school students; (3) social interaction and problem solving in children using Logo and drill and practice programs; (4) computer access and flowcharting in programing instruction;…

Reviews the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in second-language education and asserts that CALL is an instructional tool rather than a teaching method. More active involvement by educators in planning and developing CALL technologies and software for the second-language classroom is advocated. (83 references) (JL)

This metanalysis reviews 32 studies that compared 2 groups of students receiving identical writing instruction, with only 1 group using word processing for writing assignments. Word processing improved the quality of student writing but did not improve student attitudes. Suggestions are given for using word processing more effectively. (SLD)

This report describes the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a learning activity package intended to enable middle school students to view and use the computer as a tool that has application in their everyday lives. Eighth grade students in two keyboarding classes used the computer as a word processing tool in the subject of…