Presents a heuristic for finding appropriate word-processing software for business communication classes. Discusses hardware considerations, price, required training, company support, and security issues related to software selection decisions. (MM)

A group of 41 business communication students were taught to use a grammar/style checker and completed a writing exercise. Compared to 44 controls who did not use the software, there were no differences in error scores. Previous computer experience did not affect scores, but prior language skills may have influenced them. (SK)

Provides a bibliography of 79 articles on technology and communication from the following sources: "ABI/Inform,""Academic Abstracts,""ERIC,""UMI's Dissertation Abstracts,""Wilson's Applied Science and Technology Index" and "Wilson's Education Index" (1986 through 1991); the "Journal…

Describes a way to give word-processed feedback on business communication assignments. Describes some advantages of this mode over both handwritten and audio comments, and identifies limitations of this method. (SR)

Describes how the authors designed, tested, and implemented simple guides for Microsoft Word 5.0 and 5.5, WordPerfect 5.1, Rightwriter for the IBM Personal Computer and Microsoft Word, and Excel for Macintosh SE and/or LC. Urges business writing teachers to develop pragmatic translations of software manuals. (MM)

One hundred twenty-four college business communication students who were already familiar with word processing software were taught how to use a writing-analysis program. Although the writing-analysis group performed higher on all criterion measures, their scores were not significantly different from the group that edited their letters without the…

Emphasizes the need for business or technical writing teachers to consider the machines used in the workplace when planning materials and procedures for courses. Recommends gaining familiarity with machines, choosing which technology to teach, and implementing the use of computers and other business machines in the classroom. (KEH)

Surveyed members of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business to determine how and why computers were being used in the business or management curriculum and the kinds of hardware and software in use. (PD)

Compares undergraduates' handwritten reports with those written on computers for 10 precisely defined quality factors. Finds more similarities than differences, with 6 of the 10 tests showing no significant differences. Notes that this study does not support a general conclusion that basic writing quality will improve in computer written…

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)

Examines how style analyzers operate and offers advice on using textual analysis software in business writing courses. (PRA)

Identifies problems in the computer-supported group writing of MBA students who are both novice strategic report writers and novice users of technology that supports group work. Suggests several reasons for these problems. (KEH)

Recommends a technique designed to foster creative thinking in the business communication classroom. Describes an approach that incorporates several different communication tools, including analytical letter reports, oral presentations, and the use of computer-based technology in an ill-structured problem situation. (KEH)

Discusses an instructional plan for integrating computer activities with course content in a business report writing class. (PRA)

Seventy students in a college business communications course participated in a study to determine whether there were significant differences in students' attitudes toward the course when the traditional writing method or the word processing method was used. The study also sought to ascertain whether the traditional writing method developed a…