Argues that, with careful planning, computer networking can work in the writing classroom by stressing composition as a social collaborative act. Suggests that classroom networking planners must attend to (1) choice of technology; (2) ease of use; (3) participation; and (4) audience awareness. (SG)

In the past decade, theories of the social construction of knowledge have resulted in the widespread use of collaborative learning techniques. Computer technology has been in the forefront of this movement, with one result being a minor revolution in writing instruction. Specifically, communications and text sharing through both local and wide…

Noting that teachers and students who actually use an educational innovation in a classroom setting recreate it, this paper analyzes the implementation of ENFI (Electronic Networks for Interaction), an innovation that uses computers and local area networks in the teaching of writing. The paper presents ENFI's idealization in terms of its…

The shift from limited-capacity personal computers to powerful workstation technology offers an environment for writing instruction that allows networking, simultaneous performance of many tasks, and tools for designing custom lessons and individual applications. At Allegheny College (Pennsylvania), a first-year writing course is supported…

This article reviews ways that computers can support writing by students with learning disabilities. It discusses research on word processing, software for transcription and sentence generation, spelling checkers, speech synthesizers, word prediction programs, grammar and style checkers, prompting programs, outlining and semantic mapping software,…

This special issue is devoted to the theme of advancing technology in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Articles include: "Technology in TESOL" (Richard Orem, Cynthia Holliday); TESOL Technology: Imposition or Opportunity?" (Simon Murison-Bowie); "A Review of Advanced Technologies for L2…

Second of a two-part series that identifies probable changes in English instruction resulting from technology's impact on society and schools. Provides a review of five books recommended for considering the source, nature, and direction of trends in hardware, software, and "neural netware," or brains. Reports questions used by researchers on this…

Three Internet-based adult literacy and adult education programs in Philadelphia were examined to identify ways Internet technology can be used to improve adult basic and literacy education. The Adult Literacy Technology Innovation Network (ALTIN) technology program, which began in the mid-1990s, provides basic instructional technology staff…