Studies with 8 children in the United Kingdom and 30 in Finland show that verbal interactions of children doing collaborative writing with a computer are highly task-related and characterized by exchange of information, questioning, judging, organizing, and composing. Exploratory and argumentational use of language was found to be low. (SLD)

Describes the implementation of a computer application skills continuum developed by the Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools to teach keyboarding, word processing, database, and spreadsheet skills to K-12 students. Discusses teacher inservice training, student assessment, first-year results, and future plans. Includes samples of grade 5 and…

Discusses the effects technology may have on human intelligence. Topics include the use of computational devices, including calculators, in schools; the changes word processing has brought about in writing; the use of television; and the effects of weapons on children. (LRW)

The word processor is an effective tool for students composing poetry because of the formatting features and the ease of revision. This article includes several poetry writing activities and identifies software which can be utilized in teaching students to write poetry. (IAH)

Describes study that was conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to examine variables that determine which undergraduates use microcomputers and how often they use them. Computer access, expected future computer use, and prior computer experience are discussed, and the influences of gender and class rank are examined. (17…

Reports that there are few documents in the ERIC database concerning using computers as writing tools for gifted students and that the thrust of computer education for the gifted is toward developing abstract thinking only. Argues that more research is needed on classrooms for the gifted writer. (RS)

Suggests ways to help students using Systeme-D, a word processing program for creative writing in French, exploit more of the linguistic features of the program aside from the dictionary section. The importance of Systeme-D for evaluating written work is discussed, and a list of all program categories within the program is provided. (GLR)

This article describes several examples of how teachers can use integrated software packages (programs that combine word processor, database, and spreadsheet applications) for classroom management and student activities. Examples of documents created with application programs, lists of software, and resources are included. (IAH)

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.…