Some professional writers view word processing as liberating; others are apprehensive. Teacher anecdotes reveal that word processing cannot substitute for instruction but can be an important tool. Research concludes that many writers enjoy using word processing and believe it enhances composing, revising, and quality. (95 references). (SK)

Children aged 6 to 14 years in 10 schools in southern England were interviewed to determine the criteria that children use to evaluate educational and other software. Data suggest that the children were mature and sophisticated in their judgments. Their evaluative criteria derived from the standards of mass consumer electronics (home computer…