Suggests that university computer labs offer the advantages of decentralizing instruction and drawing attention to students' writing. Notes that, although labs require money and instructional space, the benefits outweigh the limitations. Argues that, once a collaborative atmosphere is established and word processing is practiced, students can…

Asserts that, although computers pose no threat to reading and writing as modes of learning, knowing, and telling, they represent an attack on the Western tradition of textuality. Argues that instructors are needed whose literacy connects them with the orality of the past and bridges their present experience to the textuality of the future. (PRA)

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…

A 3-year project examined the cognitive effects of word processing on writing processes and products. In particular, the project examined effects on writers' planning, reviewing, and revising in a series of six assessment studies. Among the most important results of the project were that writers using word processing alone--both student writers…

This discussion of the use of word processing for instruction in developmental writing classes focuses on a study at York College that used IBM PCs and Bank Street Writer software. Problems encountered, including evaluation, assessment, and revising the concept of writing processes, are described. (Author/LRW)

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…

Relates how a student's composing process will be shaped and influenced by the microcomputer and word processing. (HOD)

Describes the use of microcomputers and text editing functions in a remedial writing course. Presents survey results showing generally positive student responses to using text editing. Sees microcomputers as enhancing students' writing abilities and self-esteem. (DMM)

Discusses the role of writing equipment in the composing process and suggests that contemporary composing process theory and practice was not possible until the mid-twentieth century following certain technological advancements in writing equipment. (FL)

This paper reports the results and educational implications of an experimental, comparative study evaluating the gains in overall writing quality in two groups of college freshmen composition students. The experimental group of 45 students learned to compose their first four of eight essays on the computer, while their professor intervened with…

Examines the history of scholarly writing, concentrating on how computers have affected the process. Discusses the advantages of word processing, spelling checkers, computerized thesauri, and style checkers. Cautions writers against letting computer programs reduce their writing style to a basic or generic level. (GEA)

Identifies problems in the computer-supported group writing of MBA students who are both novice strategic report writers and novice users of technology that supports group work. Suggests several reasons for these problems. (KEH)

Relates the story of a teacher research project, a case study designed to consider how word processing affected an undergraduate student's writing process, especially in terms of revising and of detecting basic surface errors. Describes research articles that substantiated what were originally thought to be idiosyncratic writing techniques. (PRA)

Suggests that when first-year students composed on screen, they developed a tendency to expand their writing processes; and that when upper-level students did, they tended to collapse their processes. Suggests that first-year and upper-level students interacting with a computer can learn and adopt different types of writing strategies. (SR)

Compares essays composed by secondary school students with pen and paper to those composed on a word processor. Finds that word-processed essays were neater, longer, more formal, and had a weaker voice than pen-and-paper essays. Finds word-processed essay quality was unaffected for students with high to medium computer experience but was adversely…