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…

Examines the cognitive needs of novice writers and the role of word processors in the instruction of those writers. Reviews writing software in the categories of idea organizers, text analyzers, process prompters, communication packages, and artificially intelligent writing environments. Suggests future research areas. (SG)

Reviews literature on specific computer systems and automated text editing and publishing. Concludes that most such research is being carried out by teachers of composition rather than technical writing and that research by most technical writing teachers is applied research designed to solve problems posed by professionals in the field. (HTH)

Provides a review of some of the main issues covered in research on writing, and indicates where this research may be found. Discusses the nature of writing, learning to write, computers and writing, and evaluating written products. (PRA)

Argues that writing teachers should seize the initiative and design pedagogically appropriate issues for word-processing technology. Proposes a strategy for designing and employing usage checkers to improve sentence-level fluency. Discusses research on usage checkers, sentence-level revision, and instructor intervention. Offers suggestions on…

Surveys and critiques what has been written about style checkers and text-editing capabilities of the computer to assist in revising technical writing. Finds the literature inconclusive largely because it is anecdotal and methodologically flawed. Suggests a new research agenda and focus. (KEH)

This review of the educational research literature considers issues and problems relating to use of microcomputers with word processing software to help reluctant basic writers revise and edit their writing. Studies cited expound the advantages and disadvantages of using microcomputers and word processing at all educational levels. (MBR)

This sabbatical report surveys some computer software presently being developed, already in use, and/or available, and describes computer use in several Massachusetts colleges. A general introduction to computers, word processors, artificial intelligence, and computer assisted instruction is provided, as well as a discussion of what computers can…

Intended to categorize the literature on writing with word processors in high school and college classrooms and to determine the quality of the literature as well, this critical review looks at selected works on word processing in English instruction. The first section examines studies and methodologies, while the second section investigates…

These two serial issues are devoted to the impact of computers on education, and specifically their effects on developmental education programs. First "The Effects of Computer-Based Instruction" summarizes the literature on the impact of computer-based instruction, including a study by James and Chen-Lin Kulik and Peter Cohen, which found that:…

This review of research on microcomputers and their impact on education highlights literature reviews and findings from 1975 to the present; meta-analysis issues and procedures; findings of research on instructional effectiveness; word processing; Logo; student attitudes and characteristics; and implications of these findings for computer use and…

In an effort to provide information about the effect of computer use in schools on student achievement, attitudes, dropout rate, and learning time, a review of instructional computing research analyzed studies done between 1980 and 1987 using statistical summary procedures. Reviewers used a meta analysis procedure to calculate effect size as they…

Reviews the research on computer use in English language arts, predominantly writing, since 1987. Highlights include writing-process theory; learner control theory; zone of proximal development; word processing; composing process software; the Writing to Read program; and future research and directions. Contains 93 references. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of computer technology in higher education focuses on a study that applied a cost model to compare the cost effectiveness of using computer-assisted instruction versus traditional instruction in freshman English composition courses. Implications of technological change for higher education are examined, and further research needs are…

Examines the literature on the effectiveness of computers in social studies instruction and learning. Topics include drill and practice, tutorials, study guides, games and simulations, inquiry and problem solving, graphics, and word processing and writing. Contains 58 references. (LRW)