Composing is an essential part of literacy development in early childhood classrooms, and writing experiences are continually changing through advances in technology. Writing in a new language can be particularly challenging for emergent bilinguals as they navigate learning how to spell in English as part of the writing process. New pedagogical…

Writing behaviors of grade 1 children were explored as they used word processors to support their writing. Information was gathered in the form of field notes and audiotape transcripts from classroom observation sessions, along with informal interviews with students and teachers. Themes which emerged from the data analysis suggested a combination…

Reviews ways that the word processor makes the language experience approach easier for teachers and students. (FL)

Discusses the role that word processors play in whole language classrooms, and shares four advantages that "FrEdWriter" (a word-processing program) offers over commercial versions. (MG)

Presents eight guidelines to consider when using computers for language instruction, emphasizing computer use in a social and purposeful context. Suggests computer software which adheres to these guidelines. (MM)

Describes the Local Area Network (LAN), a project in which students used LAN-based word processing and electronic mail software as the center of a writing process approach. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of networking. (MM)

Describes how one school district integrated the use of word processing technology with its developmental writing program. Notes that findings of the pilot program indicated that students using word processors significantly improved the quality of their writing compared with students not using word processors. (MM)

Explains how word processing can make it easy for students to adapt and improve text until they are happy with the results. Offers an example of word processing in action. (FL)

Describes how computers, when cast in a holistic framework, can be a natural complement to students' literacy development. Discusses how six teachers use computers in holistic literacy instruction. (MG)