Focuses on the use of word processers during revision in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing context. The study attempts to identify the magnitude of the effects of ESL writing expertise, text importance for students and computer familiarity upon the types of revision. (24 references) (Author/CK)

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

Suggested public relations activities for school libraries are presented in nine articles. Some of the activities described include the publication of newsletters and filmdisks using microcomputer software, a celebrity letter campaign, and planned communication with school board members. Resources for further ideas and guidelines are provided.…

Examines current use of computers by historians and teachers of history. Attempts to predict extent of their use in next decade. Focuses on the use of four types of computer programs: word processors; spreadsheets and statistical packages; database management programs; and simulations. States that the computer is a tool historians can use to make…

Presents an overview of three ways that the computer can bridge the gap between reading and writing instruction: (1) word processing in the Language Experience Approach; (2) software to combine text and graphics; and (3) software to facilitate interactive reading and writing experiences. (MG)

Three learning-disabled students, aged 10-11, received self-instructional strategy training for improving revision skills for essays they composed on a word processor. Strategy instruction positively impacted on students' revising behavior and the length and quality of their written products. Effects were maintained over time and generalized to…

Describes the use of computers in a comparative history course. Outlines course objectives and stresses the incorporation of computers into hypothesis formulation. Discusses available software packages and the pros and cons of each. Concludes with further recommendations for the use of computers in the classroom. (RW)

Investigates gender differences in computer use among 147 college students. Students completed a questionnaire designed to measure self-efficacy, computer anxiety, computer liking, and computer confidence. Results indicate gender differences in perceived self-efficacy in word processing and spreadsheet software. No gender differences were found in…

The English compositions of two groups of Hong Kong secondary school students learning English as a Second Language were compared. Results found that students who used computer word processors, on the whole, wrote better compositions than students who used pen and paper. (46 references) (MDM)

Educational administration program coordinators in over 200 U.S. and Canadian universities were asked to indicate which computer applications and course developments they thought would prove most useful in training school leaders for 1990s. The highest ranked skills were word processing, scheduling, database management, budgeting, and…

Observations of children's writing on the computer include an anecdote concerning a five-year-old's use of a word processor to write a story at the University of South Carolina's Children's Center. Also discussed are general literacy growth and four patterns of risk taking with computer writing. (BB)

An Australian study investigated differences in writing context, process, and product with 51 eighth-grade girls using word processing and pens. Findings indicated the computer classroom was more student centered, less teacher dominated, and more work focused; and quality of writing was rated significantly higher. The importance of genre in…

High school students' preferences for teacher versus computer feedback on written compositions were studied. Three compositions composed at the terminal were evaluated by the teacher, a computer grammar checker, and the student's choice of teacher or computer. Questionnaires indicated that students strongly favored teacher evaluation because of…

A course on computers and writing for special education middle school students who are reluctant writers is described. The background of the course, the role of the computer, student attitudes, outcomes, and success factors are discussed. An added advantage was the improved communication between regular and special educators. (DB)

An Amiga 500 microcomputer with a talking word processor was used by an Australian visually impaired elementary school pupil, to provide an alternative to braille in using text and writing. This article reviews the relevant literature, explores the challenges and limitations posed by the technology, and offers a case study of the student and her…