Argues that it is the responsibility of writing program administrators to determine computers' role in writing instruction. Explores three ways in which computers significantly affect writing instruction: (1) dialogue and collaboration among students increase; (2) students' access to information increases; and (3) the perception and creation of…

Qualitatively examines the problems and successes of first- and second-grade children as they were introduced to word processors. Finds that the problems encountered were neither lasting enough, nor insurmountable enough to recommend not introducing children to word processors. (RS)

Advantages and disadvantages of word processing as a tool for teaching written self-expression to students with learning disabilities are discussed, research on its effectiveness is examined, available word-processing programs are reviewed, and guidelines for software selection are provided. (Author/MSE)

Describes the logistics and underlying principles of a summer institute for writing teachers (sponsored by the Gateway Writing Project) which integrates word processing into the writing experience. Discusses how writing program administrators can apply this information to setting up workshops with their own staff. (MM)

Compares course completion rates for students enrolled in sections of a required first-year writing course taught in a microcomputer laboratory/classroom to the course completion rates for pen-and-paper sections of the same course. Finds higher course completion rates for students enrolled in the microcomputer sections. (RS)

Content analysis of 13 textbooks and 2 Department of Education documents was conducted to ascertain common word processing, database, and spreadsheet software skills in order to determine which specific skills should be taught in a high school computer literacy course. Aspects of a basic computer course, created from this analysis, are described.…

Discusses the relationship between prior computer experiences and the linear or nonlinear steps students choose when working with hypermedia environments and time spent on task (based on a study of graduate students). Experience with content-area software, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, programming, hypermedia, and authoring are…

Focuses on types of questions raised in the encoding of historical documents. Illustrates how Text Encoding Initiative-based encoding produces a text that is of major value to future historical researchers. Maintains that software development is a barrier to developing text encoding tables. (CFR)

In response to national concern over declining standards in students' writing abilities, an increasing number of schools have adopted the use of word processors in an effort to increase literacy skills. The instructional effectiveness of word processors in 20 second-grade students was analyzed and it was found that computers facilitate improvement…

To raise money for a high school learning resource center, a librarian produced a cookbook from recipes gathered at local community events. The process included typing the recipes in WordPerfect, photocopying, obtaining a cover design, cutting and collating, and binding. Two thousand cookbooks were made and 875 were sold. At $10 a copy, a $750…

Maintains that a crucial issue in hypertext design is how to give the reader new capabilities without taking any existing ones away. Discusses the conversion of traditional, printed scholarly text to hypertext. Includes recommendations for the conversion of scholarly text to hypertext. (CFR)

A case is made against the educational application with nonproficient writers of "canned" feedback provided by text analysis computer programs marketed as grammar checkers and style analyzers. The feedback does not teach students. Alternative approaches for giving students feedback in the electronic medium are offered. (46 references) (Author/LB)

This article offers a British perspective on ways that information technology can help pupils with specific learning difficulties to overcome problems with handwriting, spelling, and structured writing. (DB)

Describes a study of 20 American historians that was conducted to better understand the nature of research in history. Highlights include choice of research topics, use of archives, writing habits, use of computers, the classification of historical knowledge, implications for libraries, and suggestions for future studies. (43 references) (LRW)

Fourth graders' attitudes about using a computer for writing instruction were assessed at three points during the school year. Student attitudes were highly positive throughout the year, but no significant differences were found between attitudes at the three assessment points. (BC)