The authors use free software for composing infographics (Internet posters) to encourage students to synthesize informational and literacy texts.

Through a case study of a seventh-grade ELA teacher, this article examines New Literacies pedagogy and more specifically a digital video project amid high-stakes testing pressures that often place limitations on teaching and learning.

This article provides an overview of the Autobiography Project, listing the topics of the ten chapters and the targeted skills that accompany them. The authors discuss the purposes of each chapter and describe the methods incorporated to promote the four broad components of literacy. This unit also addresses almost all components of the Common…

In order to consistently give quality feedback to students, the author introduces the revision and automation tools in Microsoft Word 2007. These features, Comments, Tracking, and Changes, are part of the Review group in MS Word 2007. Additionally, the AutoCorrect feature can be used to enhance and support editing endeavors. This article offers a…

The author finds using software to make audio comments on students' writing improves students' understanding of her responses and increases their willingness to take her suggestions for revision more seriously. In the process of recording audio comments, she came to a new understanding of her students' writing needs and her responsibilities as…

From brainstorming to outlining, rough drafts to peer editing, revision to final copy, all of the tasks involved in the writing process can be accomplished using technology. However, when faced with the research paper, students are often asked to keep track of sources and information on handwritten bibliography note cards. In this article, a…

Grammar checkers do not claim to teach grammar; they are tools to bring potential problems to the writer's attention. They also offer only formal and Standard English preferences, limiting the freer expression of some literary forms. Without guidance, students may misuse the checker, become frustrated, and feel discouraged. Users must be…

Discusses how to evaluate computer software for studying literature. Concludes that the best literature software encourages personal, divergent responses as well as formal analysis of the text. Briefly reviews six literature study programs. (MM)

Four items of software are described and reviewed in this first of a projected series of articles. (CRH)

Evaluates "Editor," arguably the most sophisticated grammar and style checker. Tests its effectiveness by using samples from one student and one published writer. Finds that "Editor" is limited to identifying problems in surface structure and that it sometimes identifies "errors" which are not errors while failing to…

Chris Davis and Jennifer Davis embrace the teaching environment of their science and technology magnet school. Using their students? skills in Web development, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and other technologies, the authors create lessons that help students ?make connections with one another and with the community.?

Examines several aspects of word processing and desktop publishing, focusing on hardware and software selection. (MM)

Describes some of the Shakespeare software available to educators. Explains some of its applications in the secondary school language arts classroom. Shows how Shakespeare texts on disc allow students to cut sections of the play to enhance their own performances (for example, a 20-minute version of "Much Ado About Nothing") and how…

Notes the problem of Net-based plagiarism in student papers. Describes a solution that turns the tables by using the Internet: TurnItIn.com, an Internet scanner that annotates/marks unattributed material in student papers and compiles a report for the teacher overnight. (SR)

Makes a case for adventure and fantasy computer games as encouraging development of problem-solving skills and organizational abilities and for fostering reading comprehension. Suggests ways of incorporating these games into classroom activities. (RBW)