Our paper introduces a new initiative on a common computer program used as a cognitive tool that facilitates learning "with" as opposed to learning "through" technology. The tool, which comprises a modification of a so-called boilerplate, is part of a joint learning system (Kim and Reeves, 2007) in which the tool, learner and activity are equal…

This is a must-have resource for all K-12 teachers and administrators who want to really make the best use of available technologies. Written by Doug Johnson, an expert in educational technology, "The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide" is replete with practical tips teachers can easily use to engage their students and make their…

Strategies developed by teachers for using word processing software in writing programs for grades K-6 are presented. These strategies will work with just one computer in a classroom. Two software programs are described. (MT)

Describes how personal digital assistants (PDAs) can help even the most reluctant young writers feel empowered. Designed to provide a one-computer-per-person ratio for an entire classroom, they offer interactive word processing at a low price. PDAs are useful because they are ready when the students are, they promote collaboration, and they make…

A teacher of learning disabled students discusses use of the computer to free students from the constraints of their disability. Recommended are learner controlled utilities including word processing, data banks, and the LOGO programming language. (DB)

Word processing does not, in itself, teach revision. Students with incomplete revision strategies will not begin revising at a higher level simply by using a word processor. New computer strategies for teaching revision are needed--revision strategies that use the computer to reorganize, elaborate, and strengthen what has already been written. For…

This paper addresses the question of how grammar checkers may help or hinder students by analyzing the performance of the Microsoft Word 97's Grammar Checker at flagging and explaining errors frequently made by college students. Thousands of sentences were fed into the program. Results indicate that it caught some of the errors reliably (e.g.…

In this article, the author touches on the ways that technology can come to the aid of teachers with students who don't speak English. He discusses different word processors that successfully translate foreign text.

Educators at elementary, middle, and high school levels will find that integrating digital tools and resources--many commonly used by students in their "out of school" lives--can be a springboard to creativity and new skills. In this article, the author describes how word processors, presentation software and hardware, mind-mapping applications,…

A general technique for customizing computer printers (with the MS-DOS or PC-DOS software) to the special needs of foreign language professionals is described, and examples are presented. This "detour" technique can be used to turn the printer into a typewriter and send character sequences to the printer. (CB)

Females, minorities, and disadvantaged students are not generally encouraged to work with computers as a result of traditional, cultural biases. Educators must work to assure equal computer access for all students. (JL)

This article describes the CHECK procedure for teaching students with learning disabilities skills in the actual operation of a computer spell-check. Students are urged to check the beginning sound, hunt for correct consonants, examine the vowels, make changes, and keep repeating the process. (CR)

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…

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…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…