Examines whether the computer is an effective editing tool. Reports that a survey of 94 editors shows that 62.8 percent use computers in editing, and even editors who use them also depend on hard copy. Finds that the computer seems to increase the editors' responsibilities, but it remains just a tool. (PRA)

Describes the nature and use of Structured Document Processors (SDPs), which integrate word processors and various writing aids to guide and control composing processes for specialized writing. Notes the need for SDPs in industry. Explores their implications for the practice and teaching of technical writing. (SR)

According to a survey of 160 of 265 business professionals, most create memos more frequently than other documents; use word processing on micro, mini, or mainframe computers; learned word processing on their own; and believe that electronic mail and voice input will increase and secretarial support will decrease. (SK)

Describes how personal digital assistants (PDAs) can help even the most reluctant young writers feel empowered. Designed to provide a one-computer-per-person ratio for an entire classroom, they offer interactive word processing at a low price. PDAs are useful because they are ready when the students are, they promote collaboration, and they make…

Shows how word processors and color printers are promising tools for helping students to think more clearly as they read. Discusses how students can use different colored lettering to identify topic sentences; to separate descriptive from narrative or informational writing; to separate information from emotion in writing; and to make changes if…

Describes the design of a stemming algorithm for searching Latin text databases. The algorithm uses a longest-match approach with some recoding but differs from most stemmers in its use of two separate suffix dictionaries for processing query and database words that enables users to pursue specific searches for single grammatical forms of words.…

The aim of this study was to elucidate how prelingual deafness affects the ability to process written words. An experiment designed to reveal possible differences in the word-processing strategies and efficiency of a sample of prelingually deafened students (n = 18; mean grade = 5.1) and a task-matched hearing control group (n = 28; mean grade =…

In the summer of 2003, at the invitation of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), a working group of fifteen higher education presidents, provosts, scholars, and digital resource innovators met at Dartmouth University to launch The Scholarly Communication Institute. Their eyes were on nothing less than how information…

Seductive details are highly interesting information tangential to course objectives. The inclusion of seductive details generally harms performance on recall tests, but few studies have used multimedia training or investigated effects on performance on recognition tests or transfer tasks. We conducted two studies using computer-based training,…

The paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using word processing programs with learning disabled students, describes some available programs, delineates criteria for selection of word processing programs, and considers expanded uses of word processing with this population. Advantages of word processing programs for learning disabled…

Numbers 1 and 2 of the first volume of the newsletter contains an editor's page and the following articles: "Diacritics on Wordstar: South Asian Language Transliteration without Customized Software" by Tony Stewart; "The Universal Typewriter" by David K. Wyatt and Douglas S. Wyatt; "Multi-Lingual Word-Processing Systems:…

The instructional materials included in this document are designed to introduce students to the Apple IIe computer and to the word processing and database portions of the AppleWorks program. The materials are intended for small groups of students, each of whom has use of a computer during class and for short periods between classes. The course…

This is a report of the first national exhibition and conference on multilingual word processing in voluntary organizations and community groups held in London, England in June 1988. The keynote speech of the conference, "Why Multi-ethnic Systems Matter" and a speech entitled "What Users and Manufacturers Should Be Talking…

Designed to give teachers and supervisors a working knowledge of various approaches to enhancing pupil learning through software application programs, this guide is presented in a hands-on fashion. It supports a dual purpose, i.e., it can serve as an individual tutorial or as a turnkey staff development tool. All program files referred to may be…

A study examined two writers and their use of word processing and pen and paper in order to set up and draw out the important variables that influence writers' decisions about word processing. Subjects, a college freshman and an engineer, were interviewed about their writing processes and were observed in their natural environment. Results…