Discussion of the use of computers as research tools to analyze the writing process focuses on a microcomputer-based software program, Recording WordStar. Studies using the software are described, including comparisons of traditional writing methods with word processing methods and utilization of the software's ability to play back a composition…

Describes a study designed to determine whether the use of computer word processing would improve both the amount and quality of revision done by high school student writers. The effects of word processing on composition length and revision, and students' attitudes toward writing and word processing are discussed. (47 references) (CLB)

Personalization of word problems in mathematics has been used to increase student motivation and comprehension. Similar techniques may be effective in other disciplines. In the present study computer techniques allowed integration into stories of personalized referents from an inventory of student interests. Stories were produced at three levels…

In response to critics' charges that use of the word processor may have a detrimental effect on writing, this study identified and analyzed 20 published studies that used experimental and control groups to compare conventional writing instruction (using handwriting) with instruction using the word processor. Five types of outcomes were analyzed:…

A study at a small southwestern suburban school examined specific process variables which occurred as children were taught composition skills using word processing, word processing with voice synthesis, and no word processing. Subjects were 45 second grade students, who were divided into three groups on the basis of scores on a reading…

This study compared the effectiveness of the use of computer-based training (CBT) and instructor-based training (IBT) to train teaching assistants how to use the word processing program Microsoft Word. Thirteen faculty, staff, and graduate student volunteers served as subjects and were randomly assigned to either the computer-based or…

Discussion of creativity in writing focuses on a study of eighth graders that compared results of an expository writing assignment completed on word processors with the assignment using pencil and paper. Students' ability levels are considered, and revision processes are examined. (LRW)

This study examined the impact of word processors on the writing of eighth grade students experienced in computer use. Four classes of students (n=111) were asked to write one expository paper on the computer and another paper on a similar theme by hand in a repeated measures research design that controlled for effects of order of writing (on or…

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…

This paper explores the issue of how, when, and where to teach keyboarding at the elementary school level through a review of the keyboarding literature and descriptions of three studies conducted with fifth grade students in the laboratory school at the University of Wyoming. The literature review briefly summarizes findings on the following…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers for developing tests for paper-and-pencil presentation compares two options: item-bank, or test-generator software, and word processing. Tests and test generators supplied by textbook publishers are described, cost effectiveness is considered, and possible future developments are suggested. (10 references)…

Discussion of the role of computers in teaching basic writers to write focuses on a study of college students that examined the quality of student essays produced with word processing versus paper and pencil, described the kinds of thinking evidenced, and investigated whether any differences were gender related. (20 references) (LRW)

The impact of word processing on students' attitudes and grades was studied using 235 students in 15 sections of freshmen composition at a large midwestern university. Students in the word-processing sections wrote and revised their papers on the Macintosh Plus using the software MacWrite. Students in the traditional sections used paper, pencils,…

Describes the development of a tool, FACT (Formative Automated Computer Testing), to formatively assess information technology skills of college students in the United Kingdom. Topics include word processing competency; tests designed by tutors and delivered via a network; and results of an evaluation that showed students preferred automated…

Describes study that examined the effect of the use of microcomputers as word processors in a college freshman English composition course. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, dependent and independent variables are explained, and results based on pretest and posttest writing samples are analyzed. (21 references) (LRW)