This report presents the findings from a 2-stage, multi-method study conducted in 2000 and 2001 on the editing skills and processes which students at two schools in New Zealand used when working with word processors and with pencils. The study's main aim was to examine the influence of the use of a word processor on students' editing processes and…

Focusing on the process of composition, lists and discusses problems students have in prewriting, writing, and revising. Solutions to these problems, which involve computer use, include making students aware of the composition process, writing strategies good writers use, audience analysis, grammar review, and need for peer review. (JN)

Demonstrates how text editing programs can become the platform for a higher volume of student foreign language production, provide a greater variety of writing assignments in the second language, and make grading and writing management easier for language teachers. (21 references) (Author/CB)

This paper outlines a proposed procedure for using an interactive computer-based approach to assist students in composing text on a word processor. It is suggested that the computer could provide the stimulus for writing, assist students during the writing process, and help the student to revise and edit the text. The first section explains the…

Describes the writing problems of "real world" professional users of word processing, which include editing instead of revising and rethinking, a reluctance to rewrite, and word-inflation. Suggests strategies for working with students to avoid these problems, focusing on functional writing used by professionals in various fields. (MM)

Examines how style analyzers operate and offers advice on using textual analysis software in business writing courses. (PRA)

This study investigated the performance of 28 journalism students in making structural and mechanical/stylistic editing changes in spot news stories on video display terminal (VDT) screens and in hard copy. Results showed that editing on the VDT screen resulted in more structural and fewer mechanical/stylistic changes; academically superior…

Computerized spelling programs or "spelling checkers" can be a wonderful tool for writers at any level of competence. However, they should not be used as adjuncts to the teaching of writing unless they meet two boundary conditions, one of size and one of design. The problem with design of the programs is that they allow for the…

Synthesizing research on writing instruction using word processors, this annotated bibliography contains 28 references of articles and papers in the ERIC database. The first section includes strategies, techniques, exercises, activities, and ideas on how to use time on a word processor most effectively. Articles and papers discussing the numerous…

This study explores ways of helping fifth grade students edit their work appropriately for their grade level. The use of Daily Oral Language, grammar worksheets, or the reliance on the teacher to edit were eliminated. Instead, more direction for students was provided through the use of checklists, peer editing, and word processing on a computer.…

In the proliferation of articles about using computers in the composition classroom published in the last five or ten years, few mention anything about preparing students to compose on a computer while all assert that computers do indeed help the composing process. Preparing students to compose on a computer involves three major processes:…

Explains how a year of observing two successful novelists write and revise on the computer provided a number of ideas that are encapsulated in the concept of a fluid text or the writer's conscious avoidance of a text that becomes static or fixed. (HOD)

Reports results of a preliminary investigation of the feasibility and effectiveness of using word processors for students with poor writing skills. Subjects were 10 hearing-impaired teenagers. A comparison of correcting written work by hand and word processor, a sample of students' written work, research methodology, and possible implications are…

The word processor helps teachers to use the process approach to writing. In using the word processor, the teacher can create tasks on the computer to assist students during each step of the writing process, i.e., prewriting or idea processing, drafting or writing, revising/rewriting or editing, and the publishing process or communicating. Ideas…

Describes an experiment introducing a word processor as a tool for writing in a fourth-grade classroom. Discusses resulting effects on the writing process, especially, revision and editing and on attitudes toward collaborative efforts. (SD)