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 three writing activities designed to link literature, technology, and the visual and performing arts. (MM)

An array of desktop technologies, including integrated word processing software, presentation software, database software, electronic mail, and Internet search engines, can make a principal's life easier and more challenging. Administrators should devote sufficient time and commitment to honing their skills, sharing their knowledge via hands-on…

Arguing that children need access to word processing to reap the same benefits as adult writers, a fourth-grade teacher convinced her administration to provide one computer per child during their writing workshop periods. Having portable word processors liberated student writers by making the mechanical aspects of writing easier. Students could…

Discusses ways to encourage children to write on topics of their choice and use the word processor to revise their writing. (MG)

A comparison of compositions written by 19 sixth graders using pencil and paper with those written by 19 sixth graders using word processors found that though the quality of writing, accuracy of grammar, and reading ease did not differ between the two approaches, students using computers wrote more words and sentences. (PEN)

This study examined the impact of keyboarding instruction on the acquisition of word processing skills. Over a 6-week period, 6 third grade students were studied as they used the "Type to Learn" keyboarding program. Each student spent an average of 45 minutes on the computer each week. Data collection consisted of observations, questionnaires, and…

Discusses the use of keyboarding skills in elementary classrooms and stresses the importance of establishing writing environments that help children to understand writing as communication. (MG)

Examines how technology can support elementary school writer's workshops, noting the nature of the writer's workshop and exploring how word processing and desktop publishing programs can help nurture developing writers. The article presents several ways teachers can use computers in writer's workshops (drafting and revising, writing mechanics,…

Notes that joint composition at the computer is common in United Kingdom primary schools. Finds that even children as young as seven years can jointly plan a story at the computer. Uses examples of pupils' discourse while composing to illustrate the processes by which they produced written text. (RS)

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…

Word processing and the LOGO programing language are two microcomputer applications that are beginning to show benefits as learning tools in elementary school classrooms. Word processing packages are especially useful with beginning writers, whose lack of motor coordination often slows down their acquisition of competence in written communication.…

Describes how one school district integrated the use of word processing technology with its developmental writing program. Notes that findings of the pilot program indicated that students using word processors significantly improved the quality of their writing compared with students not using word processors. (MM)

By using microcomputers, functional learning environments can be created in which reading and writing are arranged for communicative purposes and used as electronic workbooks for basic skills instruction. However, the "Computer Chronicles Newswire Network" goes a step further by giving students a goal for writing: to share their ideas…

Discusses the problems of teaching very young students to keyboard well enough to use a computer effectively in composition. Suggests that there is sufficient software to teach keyboarding as young as the fourth grade, and that teachers who have typing skills can teach keyboarding to their students. (JC)