Step-by-step instructions for using the Appleworks word processing program are provided in this manual designed to introduce students at Saint Mary's University (Texas) to the use of word processing for writing papers in their courses. The five lessons cover the following topics: (1) facts about computers and the equipment needed to complete this…

Argues that when students interrupt their thought flow during composition writing to edit language, syntax, or mechanics, the pauses obstruct fluency and dilute concentration. Use of the word processor for invisible composition is described to show how computers reduce time spent on composing and alter quantity and quality of time. (MBR)

Word processing software can accommodate the writing deficiencies of high-functioning, learning-disabled college students, but documentation frequently needs revision for increased user-friendliness, better instructional layout, less complex syntax, and repetition of key concepts. A sample revision of one program is presented, focusing on switch…

Investigated three methods of teaching word-processing skills to rehabilitation counseling students (N=26). Students trained with a "manual plus demonstration" performed significantly better than a "manual only" or a "manual plus lecture" group. Student attitude toward computer technology improved regardless of the training method used. (BH)

Describes the strategies used by a technical writing teacher who encouraged a dyslexic university engineering student to use a microcomputer as an aid in composition writing, and discusses how a word processing program was used to make the writing process easier and increase the student's self-confidence. (MBR)

Clarkson University provides each student with a Zenith microcomputer, the cost covered by tuition, eliminating many problems of computer availability and opening doors in the curriculum that were previously closed. (MSE)

No college or university last year joined the 14 institutions that already require students to buy computers. The reasons include: greater than expected costs of supporting required computers, lack of educational software, and adequency of computer laboratories are sufficient for the needs of most students. (MLW)

Major changes are underway in the ways campuses deal with computing and computers. Computers are critical tools in academic research and instruction, and they can enhance personal productivity of faculty, staff, and students. Campuses must integrate computing into the curriculum in all three of these dimensions. (MLW)

Changes that computer technology has brought about in higher education and skills needed by faculty and students are discussed. Computer/information literacy is important in higher education and in graduates' work after college. Tools introduced by technology include: microcomputers connected to the university's central computer, electronic mail…

The effect of microcomputer word processing on college students' writing was investigated with three sections of a required freshman English course at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Half of the subjects were randomly selected to use the university microcomputer in a laboratory setting to write eight essays, while the other half worked in…

A study compared written texts produced by hand, by typewriter, and by word processor for differences in improvement in creativity and writing skills. Subjects included six college students--two with high creative ability, two with average creative ability, and two with low or weak ability. During a training period, the subjects were required to…

The impact of growing numbers of personal computers at Dartmouth College was assessed. During one academic year (1984- 1985), the number of personal computers (mostly Macintoshes) grew from less than 50 to almost 2,000. The assessment focused on three areas: purchase and admissions data, student life, and the curriculum. Tentative findings…

This paper describes the results of a study of the microcomputer use patterns reflected by more than 13,000 users' records from the microcomputer laboratory at Western Kentucky University for 1983 to 1986. The data analyzed focused on: (1) numbers of users; (2) frequent user groups; (3) sex differences; (4) prime time usage; (5) the use of…

A study examined the effects of using a microcomputer for writing on the composing processes and attitudes toward writing of three non-native college students. The subjects were a Korean, an Egyptian, and a Pole, former students of remedial writing in English as a second language (ESL). The data used included multiple drafts from a previous…