Word processing in Portuguese on the IBM Personal Computer requires software capable of displaying, on the monitor and printouts, the special characters accessible through IBM's extended ACSII set. Among software packages which can do this are: "Alexander,""MultiMate,""Nota Bene,""Volkswriter Deluxe," and…

Describes how Murray State University Library, a medium sized academic library in Kentucky, made use of an IBM mainframe and SCRIPT, a text formatting program to index two local newspapers. The entire procedure is described, including indexing, authority lists, input techniques, editing, and production and distribution of the index. (CLB)

Describes the writing problems of "real world" professional users of word processing, which include editing instead of revising and rethinking, a reluctance to rewrite, and word-inflation. Suggests strategies for working with students to avoid these problems, focusing on functional writing used by professionals in various fields. (MM)

Examines the effects of using word processors and other writing tools on college students' writing. Finds no significant difference between the writing achievement of experimental groups (who used writing tools) and control groups (who did not). Suggests the widespread use of computers calls into question the results of such experiments. (ARH)

Presents short text in French and discusses possible methods of extending word processing to allow text entry, text editing, and hard copy output of foreign characters. Highlights include discussions of using ASCII for English and problems with French, one-character and two-character approaches, and examples in terms of specific microcomputer…

Two case studies involving a secondary school student and a science graduate training to become a secondary teacher with writing and spelling difficulties indicated that sustained use of word processing and spelling checker programs helped both subjects improve spelling skills and become more independent writers. (CB)

A general technique for customizing computer printers (with the MS-DOS or PC-DOS software) to the special needs of foreign language professionals is described, and examples are presented. This "detour" technique can be used to turn the printer into a typewriter and send character sequences to the printer. (CB)

Highlights the advantages of word processors and spelling checkers in improving student writing skills. Explains how spelling checkers work and describes the types of available checkers. Also provides lists of Apple, IBM, and Commodore word processors and checkers. (ML)

The first of two articles discusses the current status of desktop publishing, including some of its benefits and limitations. The second article compares and critiques both hardware and software currently available for the Macintosh and for MS-DOS microcomputers. A glossary of typographic terms is included. (CLB)

Language arts skills and writing projects can be combined with activities that teach the fundamentals of word processing to improve the language arts curriculum. Suggested lessons cover five writing and editing operations common to most word processing software. (DF)

Applications to computer-assisted instruction, in which students are led through heuristic processes, are discussed. A greater impact can be expected on America's prose from word-processing software and from the use of the microcomputer as an instrument for writing rather than for the teaching of writing. (MLW)

Discusses the uses of the computer and how it is changing society. In the classroom computers teach new skills and can provide instructional microworlds and minilaboratories in which students carry out experiments. Includes suggestions for preparing written assignments and an outline for a course on preparing teachers for using computers. (MD)

Presents data model based on text data model (TDM), universal relation model, and nonfirst normal form (NFNF) relations, and discusses applicability to text processing and document retrieval systems. Highlights include database technology applied to information retrieval, NFNF and universal relation, and TDM integration with NFNF universal…

Considers the advantages and disadvantages of various microcomputer hardware and software alternatives for the campus newspaper staff. Looks at hardware factors such as cost, speed, expandability, and software availability. Assesses choices in word processing and business applications software. (AYC)

Reviews the literature relevant to investigating the effects of textual phrasing on the efforts of children to comprehend and addresses the issue of whether the use of a word processor can have an impact on helping children improve comprehension. (FL)