Strategies developed by teachers for using word processing software in writing programs for grades K-6 are presented. These strategies will work with just one computer in a classroom. Two software programs are described. (MT)

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)

A brief review of shortcomings of commercially available computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs, is followed by a description of Wordsworth II, a sophisticated interactive CAI program written at Michigan Technological University for teaching English composition. Criteria met by each of the program's eight process-based modules are discussed…

The Jefferson Notebook system, based on a model of integrated research and instruction, is a computer program to aid in creation of hypertext instructional materials. It is currently used in college writing and academic courses. Its authoring features allow teachers to build instructional resources and integrate research and writing. (MSE)

Reviews the use of computers in the teaching and practice of writing in university courses. Highlights include hardware considerations; software options for grammar, punctuation, stylistic analysis, and prewriting (or invention) skills; artificial intelligence, composition, and literature; collaborative learning; and faculty development. (LRW)

This newsletter issue concentrates on the topic of teaching written language skills to mildly handicapped elementary and secondary students, with emphasis on the communicative function of writing. The feature article discusses expository writing instruction, describing essential elements of the expository writing process and characteristics of…

Discussion of programs for analyzing the writing of students using word processors focuses on six categories of available software that can help to improve students' writing skills: error checkers, reformatters, audience awareness programs (including reader's needs and readability formulas), student conferencing utilities, grading utilities, and…

Describes readiness activities which introduce telecommunications skills into the classroom. Computer activities and programs that simulate message writing and data retrieval are highlighted, and writing exercises that do not require computers are also included. Specific instructions are given for PFS readiness, a program which simulates an…

Discussion of the use of microcomputer-assisted instruction for advanced college writing courses emphasizes word processing exercises and programmed lessons. Topics discussed include computer writing labs, local area networks, commercially available software for writing instruction, teacher developed programs, and authoring languages and authoring…

Depicts Poetry I, a computerized lesson designed to introduce undergraduates to poetry's fundamentals and maximize student involvement. Driven by DECTalk's verse processor, the lesson teaches poetry's concepts, directs students to write and revise a limerick, and evaluates students' work. Highlights preliminary responses that demonstrate Poetry…

The origins, organization, and methods of a Columbia University course offering computer-based instruction in French composition are outlined, and the progress of four individual students is described. (MSE)

Describes how a community college has adapted an instructional computer network originally developed to teach hearing impaired individuals to write. It is now used as an integral part of three different writing courses. Discusses how the system works, providing examples of student work, and a description of the software used. (TW)

Summarizes five studies related to computerized language education: (1) speech synthesizers and children's writing abilities; (2) comparison of Writing to Read program and traditional teaching; (3) evaluation of Writing to Read program; (4) deaf adolescents and sentence construction; and (5) student attitudes toward writing with computers vs.…

Describes two projects that incorporated library media skills into the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curriculum, one that created a video documentary using "The Video Encyclopedia of the Twentieth Century," and one that created booklets of folktales using AppleWorks software. Cross-cultural sharing is discussed and additional…