Discusses word processing computer programs' potential to perform operations similar to those performed by computer assisted instruction (CAI). Suggests not abandoning CAI software entirely for the CAI potential of word processors. (RS)

Offers five high school teachers' comments regarding how the computer has changed their lives in the classroom, the uses they make of it, and what it promises for the immediate future. (SR)

Discussion of research into information and text retrieval problems highlights the work with automatic natural language processing (NLP) that is reported in this issue. Topics discussed include the occurrences of nominal compounds; anaphoric references; discontinuous language constructs; automatic back-of-the-book indexing; and full-text analysis.…

Investigates the effects of word processing on the quality of college basic writers' revisions. Finds that word processing does have a positive effect. (MS)

Identifies the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) as the best basis for a markup standard for encoding literary texts. Outlines solutions to problems using SGML and discusses the problem of maintaining multiple views of a document. Examines several ways of reducing the burden of markups. (GEA)

Discusses creativity and the teacher's importance in providing a context that encourages creative thought. Contrasts the author's success in teaching technical writing to college juniors and seniors with her experiences in using the Macintosh personal computer to teach first year composition. Notes that computers alone cannot stimulate creativity.…

Subjects (N=52) in a study comparing writing quality of handwritten papers with that of papers produced by word processor showed no educationally or statistically significant differences in performance. Within the experimental group keyboard competence did significantly affect writing quality. (IAH)

Explores the use of microcomputers in the study of literature, particularly in Hispanic studies. The philosophy and methodology of literary computing, electronic text preparation, note-taking, searching, indexing, tagging, text collating procedures, and poetry and literary analysis are discussed. (CB)

Studied four-year olds' writing development over a school year by analyzing their output on a word-processing program. Found a combined increase in productivity, complexity, and accuracy. Results suggest that these increases may be attributable to the word processing program and not solely to novelty, maturation and incidental learning, or teacher…

A criterion-based strategy to evaluate student performance in computer application courses requires modification of evaluation tools with each technological change. Students benefit by not competing for grades and there is more consistency in student assessment across courses and semesters. (Author/JOW)

Describes how the authors designed, tested, and implemented simple guides for Microsoft Word 5.0 and 5.5, WordPerfect 5.1, Rightwriter for the IBM Personal Computer and Microsoft Word, and Excel for Macintosh SE and/or LC. Urges business writing teachers to develop pragmatic translations of software manuals. (MM)

Questionnaires were sent to professional authors to determine the impact of technological tools on their writing and on publishing. Although authors have embraced technology more enthusiastically than publishers, analyses of their responses indicate they are not advanced users. The changing nature of publication and pertinent legal and financial…

Presents a nine-assignment sequence that has students engage three interconnected problems of writing and word processing. (SR)

Compares the time required to perform four tasks on the basis of information gleaned from a traditional manual and from a hypertext version of the same manual. Finds that searches in the paper document were significantly faster than those in hypertext. Suggests that direct importation of existing word-processing files into hypertext format is not…

Considers ways in which writers use word processing packages. Analyzes the benefits and obstacles of such packages. Suggests that ease of revision can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Observes that the limited ability to view an entire word-processed document inhibits critical reading. Argues that word processing technologies must be…