Assessment of 20 students who learned word processing through cooperative learning and 20 who used an individual learning method found that cooperative learning students learned faster, needed less teacher assistance, and earned higher scores. Most felt positive about the experience. (SK)

Although mature students in the word processing classroom are capable of learning how to operate the equipment, they need a strong support system until they gain self-confidence. (JOW)

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…

Discusses the potential of word processors for allowing students to generate and manipulate language while writing, and its superiority over the widespread use of computer programed packages and drills for teaching writing. (HTH)

Describes an experimental computer program called the "Writing Environment" designed to help writers create well-structured texts on-screen. Outlines a study done in which writers were asked to use the program so that their writing strategies could then be analyzed. Provides data and conclusions of the study. (HB)

Presents teaching variations with a word-processing package and related tools that enable teachers to develop different computer-writing pedagogies for their distinct contexts: traditional classroom, computer lab, or some combination of both. Emphasizes that teachers who re-envision teaching with regard to available technology can create dynamic…

Investigates the effect of microcomputer typing tutorials on students' typing speed. Finds that the typing tutorial was effective regardless of the environment (supervised or unsupervised), grade level, gender, or prior typing experience. (RS)

Instructors who are sensitive to the needs of adult students promote a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning. Students learn best when following a well-organized program of instruction. (JOW)

The purpose of this guide is to explain how to use computers to promote the development of effective learning and thinking skills. The emphasis in this discussion of computer assisted instruction is on the social side of learning rather than the technical aspects of using computers. Chapter titles are: (1) "A Strategies Approach to Effective…

Presents the structure of a business communication course that utilizes computers. Describes challenges teachers must face in the areas of computer/software knowledge, keyboarding skills, lab facility, and teaching methods. Emphasizes the benefits of learning to compose and keyboard at the computer, particularly regarding job marketability. (JD)

A study investigated whether computers would enable students to develop individual working writing environments. The programs that the fourth-grade students used were Hypercard, Clip Art, and MacWrite. Students worked with each of the programs and talked about what they were thinking while using the computer. A constant flow of teachers, staff,…

The use of computers in the writing classroom changes the actual activities used in class, adapting some present activities and creating new paradigm activities, and also changes the arrangement of the classroom, forcing a radical rethinking of spatial design. The computer classroom is not a passive room, one where information goes out from the…

Describes study of elementary students that was conducted to assess the impact of microcomputers on classroom organization, interaction between teachers and students, and student learning. Teacher characteristics and their influence on learning outcomes are discussed, and a study that used computers for a writing project is described. (nine…

Literature on word processing (WP) and writing in elementary classrooms is reviewed. Five propositions are constructed to provide a schema for understanding what is known and needs to be learned about young writers and WP. WP's effects on students' composing processes, written products, attitudes, and keyboarding/systems skills are considered.…

Describes an innovative, tool-based high school computer literacy course that involves student use of productivity software to learn what computers do in the real world rather than programing. Several student projects, teacher qualifications and responsibilities, and the role of peer teaching are discussed. (MBR)