To improve the quality of instruction in composition classes at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, a project incorporating the use of word processors was instituted. The project began in the summer session of 1984 with a regular section of beginning English. Although some students experienced difficulty in learning to use the word processors,…

Points out that revising one's writing on hard copy after using the word processor for composing (1) reduces both computer and writing anxiety, (2) provides greater opportunity for decentering, and (3) is more comfortable to revise on hard copy than to revise onscreen. (EL)

Defends the use of the word processor in writing classes. Describes how using it makes revision easier and cleaner, contributes to the speed and fluency of composing at the keyboard, and lends itself to new ways of composing and experiments with alternative structures for writing courses and classes. (EL)

Articles in this journal issue focus on computer applications for the English classroom. Following an introduction (Ken Davis), the seven articles discuss the following topics: (1) the computer as an administrative, instructional, and research aide for English teachers (Brian D. Monahan); (2) computer technology and the writing teacher (Sandra J.…

Offers comments on an article appearing in a recent issue of this journal in which the writer argued that word processing enhances student writing performance. Includes a response by the article's author, Don Richard Cox. (FL)

Responding to concerns of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Task Force on Excellence in Education that current uses of computers in teaching English language arts may undercut rather than advance excellence, this report, prepared by the NCTE Committee on Instructional Technology, summarizes the committee's thoughts and…

Although it does not express the official position of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) or of the NCTE Committee on Instructional Technology, this annual report of the NCTE Committee on Instructional Technology discusses the impact of technological advances on classroom instruction. The first section of the report documents a…

Notes the advantages grade 10 English students found in using a word processor: (1) they spend more time reworking text, (2) they are better able to determine needed change, (3) they find the revision process less arduous, and (4) they seem to find it easier to develop a sense of audience. (MM)

Suggests four overlapping areas of exploration that might help spark "creative re-formations" of the way English teachers think about computers and their relationship to writing: (1) computers and teaching writing, (2) computers and language theory, (3) computers and learning from the past, and (4) computer research in other fields. (GEA)

Intended as a resource for incorporating computer assisted instruction into existing English curricula, this guide reviews current work with computers in grammar, writing, and literature. Divided into 10 sections, the guide first presents a statement of purpose and then provides an overview of the relationship between English and computers.…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 33 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the relative frequency of various practices for teaching writing as perceived by authorities in the field; (2) the experience of composition and word…

Designed primarily for English faculty at two-year colleges in California, "Inside English" includes articles on instructional innovations in teaching remedial writing, literature courses, and freshman composition, and on major curricular, administrative, and employment issues in the field. The four issues of volume 12 include the following…