Written expression is a neglected but critical component of education; yet, the writing process--from prewriting, to writing, and postwriting--is often an area of struggle for students with disabilities. One strategy to assist students with disabilities struggling with the writing process is the use of computer-based technology. This article…

Lists seven award-winning higher education English composition computer software programs. (RS)

Reviews computer-supported invention tools, providing a comprehensive picture of software that can help teachers in composition classrooms. Discusses invention in a word-processing file, invention in an outliner, invention and hypertext software, and invention software. (SR)

Describes "Let's Write!" a writing package for the MS-DOS network which combines five software programs to define a new collaborative dynamic for writing, reading, and thinking on computer networks. (SR)

Details the creative writing software program called "Kid Works 2" and claims that it is a solid and useful means of inspiring and fostering creative writing among young students. (HB)

Considers ways in which writers use word processing packages. Analyzes the benefits and obstacles of such packages. Suggests that ease of revision can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Observes that the limited ability to view an entire word-processed document inhibits critical reading. Argues that word processing technologies must be…

Discussing available computer software for prompting for the kinds of computers likely to be used in writing programs, this paper concentrates on categorizing software programs and exploring their "uniquely electronic" features. The paper deals with the following questions: (1) What kinds of planning software are available? (2) What happens when…

Evaluates three computer software programs designed to help writing teachers to respond to and comment on student papers. Asserts that these programs do not actually assist teachers in writing comments, but help them to avoid writing comments. Argues that teachers expect too much of the computer as an aid to response. (PRA)

Describes and reviews a software package called "Writers Network," a writing program that contains teacher tools to minimize the difficulty in evaluating student writing and gives student tools to improve their writing. Notes that this program fosters enthusiastic interest in writing across the curriculum in teachers who might have not used…

Suggests grammar checkers remain troublesome and inaccurate. Reviews the literature of grammar checker technology in composition. Analyzes the current grammar checking capability of the most popular word-processing programs in the United States, Microsoft 2000 and Corel 9.0 (2000). Concludes by suggesting uses of grammar checkers for composition…

Helps the teacher of composition who is seeking the most current sources of information about computer programs for writing classes. Provides starred items for novice computer users and suggests "English Microlab Registry" for a listing of colleges and universities that have computer laboratories for writing.(NH)

Reviews the newest addition to Pelican's Creative Writing Series of instructional software, which uses the comic book format to provide a unique writing environment for satire, symbolism, sequencing, and combining text and graphics to communicate ideas. (SR)

This comprehensive collection of information about software programs is intended to help secondary language arts teachers choose software to supplement their instruction of mildly handicapped students. The first section is a correlations matrix, which lists all software programs abstracted, indicates computer compatibility, and correlates each…

Suggests the advantages of using one of the commercial integrated software packages for introductory business communications courses. Reviews three widely used integrated packages ("Enable," Microsoft "Works," and "PFS First Choice") that are available in low-cost student editions. (PRA)

Evaluates several voice synthesis programs for emergent readers which can be used to help make the transition from listening and speaking to reading and writing. (MM)