A practicum used the Keyboard Familiarization approach (introducing students to the location of keys on the computer keyboard) to integrate the computer into a traditionally taught first-grade spelling program, using laminated copies of the computer keyboard. After completing basic drill and practice sessions on the laminated keyboard, the 23…

This report contains the rationale for and results of a study investigating computer integration in the primary grades. The study encompassed functions and purposes of computer use, the subjects and programs currently in classroom use, and the extent of microcomputer use by student and teacher. Sources of investigation included published…

A computer-based collaborative approach to writing like the Daedalus Instructional System (DIS) can help students to learn to write for communication and to read for understanding. The DIS, created to reflect the collaborative learning philosophy, is networked, and fosters communication through reading and writing. The system provides CONTACT, an…

With the advent of composition software, the microcomputer has become a valuable writing and teaching tool. In "Writing with a Word Processor" (Harper, 1983), William Zinsser details the trauma he experienced in the shift from being a pencil and paper writer to being a computer writer. However, those accustomed to composing at a typewriter will…

Microcomputer technology can assist students in two important phases of basic skills instruction--acquisition and application. Providing interactive practice with immediate feedback in a way that most students find motivating, microcomputers can help students build a solid foundation in such basic skills as punctuation use. In addition, word…

Word processing programs offer five capabilities that can help students over the physical and psychological constraints associated with writing. First, producing text on a word processor is more tentative and more noncommital than producing text on paper. This reassures the writer that it is all right to experiment with words. Second, the blinking…

To provide students with an opportunity to become computer literate, the University of Michigan has required at least one computer-intensive writing class. A fully equipped computer lab has been provided for students who do not own a computer. In order to determine the most effective technique for teaching students how to use the word processors,…

Research offers educators information on the skills that will be needed by office employees as new technologies are introduced into the workplace. Surveys and studies sponsored by private organizations as well as private businesses indicate that employers still require secretaries to have a solid foundation in the more traditional secretarial…

The paper describes and evaluates the use of computer instruction with three student populations: severely handicapped, severely emotionally handicapped, and learning handicapped. In the first instance, instruction was aimed at helping severely handicapped students operate software as independently as possible. Important steps in the instructional…

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:…

Designed for use by elementary school teachers, this discussion paper discusses the use of the word processor in the teaching of writing. The paper examines both the positive and negative aspects of computer use. After comparing the writing process with the problem solving process, the newsletter provides articles relating teachers' experiences…

First-hand accounts of what teachers have done with students and computers in their classrooms, how students have responded, and what and how teachers have learned from these experiences are discussed in the 19 articles in this book. The articles are presented under these headings: (1) teaching writing with word processors; (2) learning to inquire…

Intended to help composition teachers take advantage of current advances in word processing technology, this booklet demonstrates how teachers can create computer lesson files for students that incorporate findings from research on effective writing instruction and allow students to develop, shape, and revise their own writing at the computer…

A selective review of research dealing with emerging organizational electronic communication technologies from the communication, management, and organizational psychology literature was divided into four categories: word processing, electronic mail, computer conferencing, and teleconferencing (audio/video). The analysis was directed specifically…

Pointing out that teachers and supervisors need to study, analyze, and synthesize diverse issues in the teaching of handwriting, this paper explores several relevant issues. The following issues are discussed: (1) whether handwriting ought to be taught as a separate subject; (2) the conflict between the behaviorism approach--which utilizes precise…