The trend in school computers is toward "networking"--software controlled by a teacher from a central computer linked to student terminals. Despite rising costs, publishers are trying to meet the market's needs for word processing and database software. Guides published by software evaluation groups are listed for contact. (CJH)

Discusses the problems of teaching very young students to keyboard well enough to use a computer effectively in composition. Suggests that there is sufficient software to teach keyboarding as young as the fourth grade, and that teachers who have typing skills can teach keyboarding to their students. (JC)

Provides guidelines and practical advice for planning and running a computer lab for writing. (NKA)

Presents rationale for including use of productivity tool software--database management systems, spreadsheets, graphics software, word processing--in classrooms and reviews appropriate strategies for introducing students to these tools. Discussion covers adaptability of these tools to various academic disciplines and illustrates how students…

This collection of articles includes an examination of word-processing software; project management software; new expert systems that turn microcomputers into logical, well-informed consultants; simulated negotiation software; telephone management systems; and the physical design of an efficient microcomputer work space. (MBR)

Advantages and disadvantages of word processing as a tool for teaching written self-expression to students with learning disabilities are discussed, research on its effectiveness is examined, available word-processing programs are reviewed, and guidelines for software selection are provided. (Author/MSE)

Content analysis of 13 textbooks and 2 Department of Education documents was conducted to ascertain common word processing, database, and spreadsheet software skills in order to determine which specific skills should be taught in a high school computer literacy course. Aspects of a basic computer course, created from this analysis, are described.…

Maintains that a crucial issue in hypertext design is how to give the reader new capabilities without taking any existing ones away. Discusses the conversion of traditional, printed scholarly text to hypertext. Includes recommendations for the conversion of scholarly text to hypertext. (CFR)

A case is made against the educational application with nonproficient writers of "canned" feedback provided by text analysis computer programs marketed as grammar checkers and style analyzers. The feedback does not teach students. Alternative approaches for giving students feedback in the electronic medium are offered. (46 references) (Author/LB)

This article offers a British perspective on ways that information technology can help pupils with specific learning difficulties to overcome problems with handwriting, spelling, and structured writing. (DB)

Discussion of problems that organizations face regarding the selection, management, and accession of information services focuses on the extent to which document information systems (DIS) and text management systems (TMS) can improve the management and accessibility of information sources. Examples of TMS applications are described. (11…

Reviews four specific prewriting activities designed to foster prewriting and avoid premature drafting on the computer: freewriting, electronic journal-keeping, idea-generation, and online "conversations." Provides hints for developing lesson files, reviews current prewriting and hypertext software, and provides tips on selecting software. (14…

Discusses changes that have made desktop publishing appealing and reasonably priced. Hardware, software, and printer options for getting started and moving on, typeface developments, and the key characteristics of desktop publishing are described. The author's notes on 33 articles from the personal computing literature from January-March 1994 are…

For college students and faculty in any program of study, the Web is a vast resource of material. Information on almost any subject is just a click away. Tools to help organize and use the information are plentiful, and for the most part free. However, the availability of material on the Internet can be both a blessing to faculty and a dilemma.…

This study assessed whether word processing can be taught conceptually so that students can decontextualize concepts from a specific program setting and thus achieve a greater level of learning and far transfer. The sample for this study consisted of 38 students at Central Wyoming College enrolled in word processing classes--two sections during…