Describes actual classroom projects that allowed fifth graders with special needs and learning disabilities to become adept at navigating and searching for information on the Internet. Presents feedback from students on their experiences using the Internet and finds that these classroom projects improved student reading and writing skills. (JMV)

Recent studies at four colleges and universities (West Virginia University; University of Cincinnati, Ohio; Johnson County Community College, Kansas; University of Texas, El Paso) indicate that comprehensive writing tools software can improve both student writing performance and pass rates for disadvantaged students. (Author/MSE)

Reviews the following video and computer software products: (1) "Big Changes, Big Choices," videorecordings designed to help middle school students deal with feelings and relationships; (2) "Puddles to Pondwater," a computer simulation program about animals and the environment; and (3) "Literature Lesson Links," a computer program for teachers…

Describes the experiential learning sequence of a required senior-level natural science and environmental studies course; the role of a technical communication consultant contracted to conduct a needs assessment for improving the students' technical communications skills; and the consultant's results and recommendations. (MDH)

Examines the use of persuasive responses by Hispanic second-language writers and categorizes these responses by level of language proficiency and gender. Findings indicate that students exit English-as-a-Second-Language classes without having achieved a higher level of expertise in the use of persuasive discourse and that females elaborate more…

Describes a literacy training program for adults with deafness, along with pre- and posttraining results of assessments of 10 adults enrolled in the program. The results indicated that the computerized drill and practice items used in the program were effective in increasing the English literacy of program participants. (23 references) (MDM)

Twenty kindergarten classrooms were observed during two full days of integrated language instruction. Over 300 observed literacy tasks were analyzed by activity format, duration, cognitive complexity, organization, and participation structures. Results indicated that, although most of the activities were meaning based, over half of the observed…

Describes an ongoing research study investigating the value of using the concept keyboard as a device to assist children in creating functional texts. Suggests that the use of the conceptual keyboard as an alternative input device for word processor use has the potential to help children better structure their writing. (AA)

Discusses the tension between testing and literacy education, the deleterious influences of testing on the curriculum, and the lack of a firm relationship between improved test scores and improved educational experiences for students. Presents two alternative systems for evaluation of writing skills at the local and state level. Demonstrates the…

Examines computerized text analysis by considering questions related to how computerized text analysis programs function, the history of computerized text analysis, and the claims of previous research on computerized text analysis. It is suggested that claims about the effectiveness of computerized text analysis as a writing aid for…

Describes the largely positive results of a business school's exploration of a writing-across-the-curriculum program over a three-year period. Maintains that the writing-across-the-curriculum approach improved the quality of student writing, the application of course concepts, and student performance even in classes not participating in the…

Examines the effects of written retelling on ESL (English-as-a- Second-Language) students' writing skills. Suggests that written retelling can help ESL students build their linguistic foundations, learn about mainstream culture, and develop awareness of conventional English rhetorical structures. Indicates that written retelling improved student…

Addresses problems of ethnographic educational research that lead to theoretical and linguistic difficulties often unresolved in research reports, such as the veneration of research participant/informants. Related concerns include researcher's position in the study, ethnography as a product of research, ethnography as textual practice, researcher…

The use of standardized tests to evaluate young children has been widely criticized. Alternative methods for assessing the emerging literacy development of young children through functional meaningful activities is needed. Assessment must accommodate the developmental needs of each child. Guidelines for the appropriate use of standardized tests…

Examines traditional and current beliefs about the reading process, and presents specific strategies that parents and teachers can use to help children learn to read. Parents and teachers can use patterned books and the reading and writing of sentences to foster reading skills. (MDM)