Reviews some word processing programs that facilitate the writing task. These programs cover the following areas: 1) spelling; 2) punctuation and style; 3) thesauruses; 4) sexist language; 5) text and author statistics; 6) footnotes; 7) indexes; and 8) bibliography. Also provides an outline of the "Computer Education Assistance Act" of 1985 (S.…

Reviews literature on specific computer systems and automated text editing and publishing. Concludes that most such research is being carried out by teachers of composition rather than technical writing and that research by most technical writing teachers is applied research designed to solve problems posed by professionals in the field. (HTH)

A medium-sized aerospace library has developed interim solutions to automation needs by using software and equipment that were available in-house in preparation for an expected integrated library system. Automated processes include authors' file of items authored by employees, journal routing (including routing slips), statistics, journal…

The problems of creating an operational definition of computer literacy and of determining the role of computers in college curricula are discussed. It is suggested that learning to program computers may not be essential for computer literacy but may yield benefits for general education. (Author/MLW)

Presents three general professional concerns to help teachers ride the third wave of computer technology, and three forms of CAI to enhance the recursive cycle of their students' writing. (CRH)

Describes Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries' utilization of three software packages resident on the University's central computers: text editing, text formatting, and electronic mail. Advantages of utilizing central computing resources, introduction of and training in computing systems within libraries, specific applications, and advantages and…

Discusses the potential of microcomputers for accomplishing educational goals beyond drill and practice software. Describes a program in which students have access to a computer-based network that connects classrooms in four states, which allows peer response, develops a sense of audience, and gives students greater control over their literacy…

Raises issues connected to the new teaching problems that accompany using computers in writing classrooms. Discusses three general categories: difficulties in transferring successful practices; difficulties in expanding successful practices; and difficulties in simply understanding which teaching practices may turn out to be successful. (MG)

Study examined the impact of word processing on sixth graders' writing and revision skills. Students used pencil and paper or word processors, or both, to write and revise compositions. There were significant revision differences. Word processing students corrected more and made fewer errors. Overall writing quality did not differ significantly.…

Organization and word processing software programs empower students with disabilities to become more independent in their writing. In this article, the authors describe techniques for incorporating organizational programs and word processing features into the writing process. Beneficial features include word prediction, voice output, spell…

The word processor helps teachers to use the process approach to writing. In using the word processor, the teacher can create tasks on the computer to assist students during each step of the writing process, i.e., prewriting or idea processing, drafting or writing, revising/rewriting or editing, and the publishing process or communicating. Ideas…

Intended to provide help for teachers and supervisors in using computers in English classes as an enhancement of the instructional program, this guide is organized in three parts. Part 1 focuses on the many management issues related to computer use. This section of the guide presents ideas for helping students with limited keyboarding skills as…

Microcomputers were used by 24 gifted students in a Utah elementary school to produce a school newspaper. Students used word processing (Bank Street Writer) and desktop publishing software (The Newsroom). They met in small groups over a 3-week period to develop basic journalism skills such as interviewing, writing and editing articles. Articles…

This curriculum guide is designed to assist teachers and supervisors in introducing lower elementary students to the MS DOS computer and the word processing program PC Write. Accompanying this guide are two program disks: PC Write, which is a public domain word processing program and Disk Care, which reinforces rules for caring for disks. The…

For use by teachers with access to writing centers, this guide provides criteria for choosing appropriate computer software for writing centers and lists current choices of good software. The first section explains why teachers, who have direct experience with the needs of students and the objectives of writing instruction, are the most qualified…