This activity book is designed for use in implementing the competencies for the Business Systems and Technology 1 course in Florida. Part 1, Student Performance Standards, contains a variety of activities that correspond to some student performance standards. Part 2, Skill Development, focuses on skill-building strategies for teacher- or…

A study at Hong Kong University explored the use of the word processor as a writing tool in enhancing a process approach to writing instruction and the effect it has on writing performance, student attitudes to writing and revising, and the process by which students revise their scripts. A comparative analysis was done on a control group of 13…

A 2-day teacher training workshop in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) designed for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) is described. Program objectives included the following: awareness of computer uses consistent with current principles of second language learning; direct experience with computers, emphasizing what can go…

The second of a three-part series on computer-assisted instruction (CAI), this report focuses on the use of microcomputers in business education, English, social studies, foreign languages, bilingual education, and ESL (English as a Second Language). Since all these areas involve writing, a discussion of word processors and word processing…

A discussion of the use of word processing for the instruction of English as a Second Language (ESL) is presented in two parts. The first addresses the uses of the technology in teaching language skills, including writing, vocabulary, grammatical competence, reading skills, and oral skills. Related literature is reviewed and specific examples of…

Despite the evolution of software for computer-assisted language learning (CALL), teacher resistance remains high. Early software for language instruction was almost exclusively designed for drill and practice. That approach was later replaced by a model in which the computer provided a stimulus for students, most often as a partner in games.…

Discusses the results of a survey on the usage of computers in secondary schools. Indicates that the majority of use was by computer classes; more staff development is needed for teachers of non-computer classes; and there is insufficient hardware and software available for non-computer classes. (TW)

Describes how a community college has adapted an instructional computer network originally developed to teach hearing impaired individuals to write. It is now used as an integral part of three different writing courses. Discusses how the system works, providing examples of student work, and a description of the software used. (TW)

Three articles discuss teacher training and the use of microcomputers in elementry and secondary school curriculums. Highlights include microcomputers in British primary schools; the University of Chicago School Math Project; computer training for teachers in Iceland; learning and educational change; and introducing elementary school teachers to…

Examines questions typically asked about the effectiveness of computer-based reading instruction, suggesting that these questions must be refined to provide meaningful insight into the issues involved. Describes several critical problems with existing research and presents overviews of research on the effects of computer-based instruction on…

Summarizes five studies related to computerized language education: (1) speech synthesizers and children's writing abilities; (2) comparison of Writing to Read program and traditional teaching; (3) evaluation of Writing to Read program; (4) deaf adolescents and sentence construction; and (5) student attitudes toward writing with computers vs.…

This first of two articles presents eight examples of what software infusion (SI) looks like in actual practice in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and learning laboratories. An analysis of SI characteristics demonstrated in the examples is presented to bring the definition of SI into focus. (MBR)

Describes the Minnesota Education Computing Corporation (MECC) Computing and Information Collection, a collection of software products for students in grades 4-12. These products are designed to support individual course content objectives and introduce and practice information literacy skills. Curriculum applications in language arts,…

Describes interactive computer software programs that develop prewriting, word processing, and revising skills. (MM)

Reviews the research on computer use in English language arts, predominantly writing, since 1987. Highlights include writing-process theory; learner control theory; zone of proximal development; word processing; composing process software; the Writing to Read program; and future research and directions. Contains 93 references. (Author/LRW)