Presents findings from an ethnographic study of four high school basic writers collaborating on an assignment in their school's computer lab. Finds that the students were largely unsuccessful as writers and as collaborators--three of the students became, for the most part, nonwriters. Suggests that computer-assisted writing environments may result…

Describes the use of local area networks (LANs) in basic college composition instruction. Offers examples of interchanges between student writers and peers reacting to compositions. Argues for freer student use of classroom networks in open discourse, as excessive limits on network use eviscerate its potential. (SG)