In this article, I argue that new media is defined and situated within two distinct scholarly conversations ("composing in contemporary society" and "composing in academia") and has varied definitions supporting arguments made within these overarching conversations. Discussions of new media contribute to rhetoric and…

Examines research on using word processors for writing and writing instruction. Argues that research can mislead and discourage teachers from using computers in their classrooms. Asserts that word processing encourages students to have fun while guiding them through the revision process. (MM)

Helps the teacher of composition who is seeking the most current sources of information about computer programs for writing classes. Provides starred items for novice computer users and suggests "English Microlab Registry" for a listing of colleges and universities that have computer laboratories for writing.(NH)

Discounts Collier's study of the effect of computer-based text editors on the quality of students' revision, arguing that editing is not an innate skill and that the computer predictably would not improve upon a process with which the students are not familiar. Collier replies that he excluded several methodological alternatives to reduce the…

Based on interviews with university faculty, describes the impact of word processing upon their writing habits. (HOD)

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 on a small pilot study that investigated the effect of word processing on the revision of six college freshmen. The results suggested that word processing did not encourage students to revise more extensively. (HOD)