Discusses the use of computers and word processing programs in two-year college writing instruction. Compares levels of student use of word processing in writing tasks. Reviews factors to be considered in evaluating software. (DMM)

Describes system developed at Bennett College for recording grades on a spreadsheet that allows multi-user access for updating student test scores. The interaction between spreadsheets, user-developed statistics programs, and word processing documents is discussed, and a process for using spreadsheet data in a BASIC statistics program is…

Describes ways in which speech synthesizers and adaptive software for microcomputers enable visually impaired office workers and professionals to use computers in much the same way as their sighted colleagues. Several speech synthesizers and computer programs are described, as well as experiences of blind persons in a variety of positions. (MBR)

The Irvine Unified School District developed a Master Plan and Guide for Computer Utilization, outlining major goals in microcomputer and mainframe computer use. Educational objectives were identified, and a three-year staff development plan was implemented. (LMO)

This examination of ways to use general-purpose commercial software to assist in the management of library media centers focuses on database management programs, word processing, authoring systems, and calculator (spreadsheet) programs. System requirements and purchasing information for representative programs (address, price) are provided. Six…

Intended to enable educators to make intelligent decisions when purchasing hardware and software, this article presents basic information on computer hardware, effective software, and necessary peripherals needed to achieve educational objectives instructors have set. (MBR)

Reviews the best currently available spelling software, including drill and practice, tutorial, game, and proofreading/word processing programs, and discusses criteria for spelling software selection. (MBR)

Describes how a computerized text analysis program can help students discover error patterns in their writing, and notes how students' responses to analyses can reduce errors and improve their writing. (MM)

The article examines: the process used by visually impaired individuals in composing, the difficulties in using braille, and the importance of text access for editing. The adequacy and effectiveness of computer tools is discussed, focusing on selection of alternative display formats, word processing software, and other software. (Author/JDD)

Discusses the role of computer keyboard operators in typesetting complex mathematical expressions used in instructional materials, examines the role of software in producing good quality output, and describes Expressionist, software for Macintosh hardware that can be used with desktop publishing and word processing software to enter mathematical…

Two French computer software packages that can be of assistance in teaching French-as-a-Second-Language are described and discussed. One, an authoring aid, contains the format for a series of dialogues and comprehension questions. The other allows the production and manipulation of databases and texts. (MSE)

The case report describes the teaching method used over a six-month period to help a hearing-impaired young adult correct grammatical errors of additions, omissions, and substitutions in her letters using the MacWrite word processing program. (Author/DB)

Describes a student-centered software package designed at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin to support student writing by helping students generate ideas, improve organization and development, and improve editing capabilities. Describes UT's basic writers and presents findings from the classroom research-based program evaluation. (DMM)

Discussion of French language planning focuses on two different roles: official, cherished language of France and international language subject to outside influence. Three areas of concern are discussed: borrowing from English; lexical variation outside France; and influence of computer science on language, particularly the use of spell-checking…

Two studies with a total of 82 students (grades 5-7) with learning disabilities found that, unaided, students corrected 9% of their errors; with spelling checkers, they corrected 37% of errors. Spelling checkers failed to identify about 30% of errors. Students usually selected the correct word from spelling checker suggestions. (Author/DB)