Describes the development of a microcomputer writing lab designed for college freshmen English students. Argues that students in the lab write more and take more pride in their finished products. (RS)

Describes 10 changes in writing instruction (including changes in student attitudes toward revision and changes in the peer editing process) that are directly related to the introduction of the computer into the writing process. (MM)

Describes an inservice workshop that shows teachers the difference between canned and creative classroom use of computers. Presents an exercise using freewriting, brainstorming, sequencing, and peer evaluation. (RAE)

Describes how one school district integrated the use of word processing technology with its developmental writing program. Notes that findings of the pilot program indicated that students using word processors significantly improved the quality of their writing compared with students not using word processors. (MM)

Proposes that for students to gain the maximum benefits from the computer as an education and composition tool, teachers should incorporate the computer throughout the composing process. Describes the adaptation of computers in a specialized business and technical persuasive writing course. (MS)

Shows how style and usage checkers can be used in writing exercises that encourage a recursive pattern of student revision. Looks at several instructional design ideas that can create "process-centered" revision software that appears heuristic, contextual, and interactive. (RS)

Argues that the set of style, usage, and spelling check computer programs marketed as "Writer's Workbench" is an effective aid to good writing, giving users the opportunity to edit and revise text depending upon each individual user's purpose. Reports on a survey of teachers' and students' use of "Writer's Workbench" at St.…

Describes ways in which teachers can use word processing software, including print utilities and desktop publishing programs. The production of parent letters, personalized form letters, worksheets, newsletters, awards, and certificates are described; improvements in communications and in teacher generated student materials are discussed; and…

Describes a teacher support system which is a computer-based workstation that provides support for teachers and administrators by integrating teacher utility programs, instructional management software, administrative packages, and office automation tools. Hardware is described and software components are explained, including database managers,…

Reviews research on the effect of computers on writing. Concludes that students will not automatically revise and write more successfully with a word processor, that students tend to submit papers with fewer mechanical errors using word processors, and that they enjoy writing more and may collaborate more. (RS)

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Explains how the search feature available with most word processing programs can reinforce grammar and proofreading skills, helping students focus on grammatical agreement, comma usage, and sentence fragments. Discusses student responses to the technique. (DMM)

Students in three fifth grade classes were pretested on identification and correction of errors in written composition. Instruction on revision was provided to instructional groups differing only in tools used for editing: paper and pencil, word processing, or a combination. Attitude questionnaire and posttest results indicated less positive…

Two English composition classes of community college students followed the same syllabus, but students in one class were required to use a word processor. Data were gathered at the beginning and end of the semester through an attitude questionnaire and student writing samples. Results indicated improved writing skills and attitudes toward writing…

The shift from limited-capacity personal computers to powerful workstation technology offers an environment for writing instruction that allows networking, simultaneous performance of many tasks, and tools for designing custom lessons and individual applications. At Allegheny College (Pennsylvania), a first-year writing course is supported…