Along with its companion teacher's guide, this student study text teaches writing skills needed to pass the New York Regents Competency Test (RCT) in Writing, using the computer as an instrument of instruction. The guide is arranged in three sections that match the tasks required on the RCT Writing Test: (1) The Business Letter; (2) The Report;…

This study described teaching methods in use in computer studies classes, explored the reasons for their use, and explored perceptions of effectiveness. Four main research methods were used: semistructured interviews; observation of teaching; perusal of course documents; and informal collection of information by talking to students and tutors. One…

A study investigated how young children use the word processor as a tool in their development as writers. Forty children, ages 4 through 7, from a university laboratory school in a small midwestern community, participated in the study. Videotapings and audiotapings during writing events served as the primary means of data collection. These were…

The view that computers are crucial tools in current educational technology raises questions concerning their importance for prospective teachers and invites concern about how preservice teachers might react to interacting with both computers and children in an educational setting. Preservice language arts teachers with little computer experience…

Community college English composition classes are ideal for expanding the circumference of poetry because (1) reading poetry broadens students' horizons and may lead to an interest in literature, (2) writing poetry helps students express themselves and skills acquired in poetry-writing may carry over into essay writing, (3) reading/writing poetry…

Based on an examination of the organizational features of editing during collaborative computer writing in a combined first and second grade classroom in a Catholic school during the 1985-86 school year, this paper argues that there is a fundamental difference between collaborative and solo computer writing, and that collaboration during computer…

Divided into three sections, this book presents a selection of papers arising from a conference that focused on the impact of recent technological advancements on the development and teaching of reading. An introduction by J. M. Ewing provides general insight on this topic. Identifying major concerns, the first section includes: "Reading and…

This first-year progress report considers the objectives and achievements of CompuEnglish, a project developed at Saddleback College's North Campus (California) to introduce word processing skills into traditional composition classes. Section I offers a summary report on progress as of 1985, reviewing the four phases of project implementation and…

Designed to be used as a reference and guide for students enrolled in the CompuEnglish Program at Saddleback College North (SCN) in California, this workbook introduces word processing skills that can be used to write better compositions for English and other classes. The workbook contains a copy of the syllabus used in SCN's Freshman Composition…

A protocol study investigated whether computer tutors (programs that interactively guide writers while they freewrite with a word processing program) promote or hinder a richer understanding of the composing process. The analysis focused on writers' attitudes toward computer tutors in the invention process. Data were collected by tape recording a…

To characterize the influence of various constraints on students' composing processes, a study investigated the (1) type of instructions students received prior to their composing and revising sessions, (2) mode of production--whether a computer or paper and pencil was used for composition and revision, and (3) effect of skill level on students'…

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…

A study examined what happens to student writing processes when word processing is combined with process-oriented composition instruction, and what effect this combination has on writing quality. The quantity of drafting and the amount of time spent on revisions were logged for 13 college students. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to 31…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a conference held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education which focused on the conceptual distinction between microworld software and expert system software in education. Microworld software is defined as software which lacks a specific teaching and learning agenda, and expert systems as software that…

This demonstration introduced microcomputers into St. Amant High School in Louisiana by instituting a word/information processing program. Microcomputers, printers, and necessary software were purchased, and the manufacturer's educational representative instructed the word/information processing teacher on the operation of the equipment. The…