Describes how using split screens allows students to see writing as a complex and recursive yet coherent process rather than as a linear progression of distinct activities. Suggests that "windows" encourage sustained engagement in prewriting by opening accessible passageways for movement from prewriting and planning to drafting and…

Argues that when students interrupt their thought flow during composition writing to edit language, syntax, or mechanics, the pauses obstruct fluency and dilute concentration. Use of the word processor for invisible composition is described to show how computers reduce time spent on composing and alter quantity and quality of time. (MBR)

Generally, there are three kinds of software that could be used in college writing courses: word processing programs, interactive questionnaires, and text parsers. Although the benefits of these programs are well known, they still pose some problems. Word processors, for example, have been designed to "process" existing text; few have…

Examines a number of language activities in educational software, noting that most focus on surface structure and conventions, thus closing off students' options rather than expanding them. Discusses how, by improvising with word processors, teachers can tailor activities to help students explore and reflect on their reading and writing…

Intended for college students and other writers, this book contains a detailed, step-by-step description of the writing process, from prewriting and brainstorming to polishing the mechanics of a final draft. The book is divided into five major sections. Part 1 is a broad introduction to the natural language attitude toward learning to write. Part…

Suggests that students should consider five parts of the social environment for any writing/reading situation, especially considering social relationships forged there between writers and readers. Describes these five aspects, and argues that activities using computer technology and writing should focus students primarily on the social nature of…

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)

Presents three exercises that teach good proofreading and editing skills as well as tap students' creativity on the word processor. (HTH)

The use of microcomputers as word processors for writing papers is commonplace in English departments, but there are many less well-known uses that English teachers can make of the computer. For example, word processing programs can be used to teach sentence combining. Moving text on the screen is very easy, so it is possible to rearrange words or…

Presents some of the better-known models to describe the process to writing. Combines some of their common features into a framework that is useful for thinking and talking about the roles that computers may play in supporting "the writing process." (MG)

The computer can improve writing instruction only if it is integrated into a systematic pedagogy that distinguishes between writing behavior and higher order cognitive skills. Underlying the present concern with the writing process is the behaviorist assumption that promoting a certain writing behavior can provoke thought. Unfortunately, while…

In integrating word processors into the structure of a freshman writing class, the instructor has two alternatives: to teach the course specifically as a word processing course, or to offer a word processing option to students on a volunteer basis, either in substitution for some other activity or as extra credit. The first method is good if one…

Reviews Monsters and Make-Believe Plus, a computer program which supports learners in their quest to become skilled language users. Finds it to be one of the most powerful software programs available to implement a whole language program. (MG)

Computers and networks have opened new opportunities for recognition experiences in schools. Students gain the potential for increased recognition through the exchange of their writing with students in other classrooms in their own school, in other parts of the country, or in other parts of the world. Reorganizing and editing text for publication…

Describes interactive computer software programs that develop prewriting, word processing, and revising skills. (MM)