The word processor helps teachers to use the process approach to writing. In using the word processor, the teacher can create tasks on the computer to assist students during each step of the writing process, i.e., prewriting or idea processing, drafting or writing, revising/rewriting or editing, and the publishing process or communicating. Ideas…

Prewriting programs using computers fall into two broad categories: interactive and noninteractive. An early example of a noninteractive program is that of Ellen Nold, called "Cinnamon." Its purpose was to present the student with a series of content questions. In answering such questions, the student would be accumulating a set of data…

As a result of a telephone survey of 100 experienced elementary and secondary teachers concerning their comfort with computers and the teaching of writing skills, a weekend workshop was designed to help teachers develop some confidence in their skill as writers and to explore the possibilities available when writing with a word processor. The…

The incorporation of microcomputers into the traditional English classroom is currently in a transitional phase. Each new use of the computer affords teachers new possibilities for teaching approaches, and the succession of uses already employed suggests that each experiment increases the distance from traditional methods. This can be illustrated…

Research about writing and the teaching of writing has demonstrated that writing is a process, that thinking and writing are inextricably connected, that workshop and tutorial methods are more efficient than teacher or textbook dominated instruction in writing, and that correctness does not have to be a major concern in the teaching of writing.…

This volume consists of nine conference papers and journal articles concerned with microcomputer applications in the teaching of writing. After a general introduction entitled "Computer-Assisted Composition Instruction: The State of the Art," by Robert Shostak, four papers are devoted to how computers may help with the writing process. In…

Drawing on the experiences of teachers of writing in elementary through junior high schools, the teaching strategies presented in this collection are grouped into four sections: prewriting, drafting, editing and publishing, and systems. Topics covered in the prewriting section include listening skills; thinking, speaking, and writing;…

The computer can be a powerful tool to help students who are having difficulty learning the skills of prewriting, composition, revision, and editing. Specific software is suggested for each phase, as well as for classroom publishing. (Author/JDD)

Concentrates on reviewing literature on the use of computers to assist the composing process and the teaching of composing in the writing center. Deals with the following categories of software: (1) general, (2) prewriting, (3) organizing, (4) drafting, (5) revising, and (6) proofreading/copy editing. (SKC)

Examines materials available from ERIC that are designed to familiarize teachers with computer software. (MM)

Noting that (1) current research suggests that technology may contribute to improved instruction in writing but it does not do so automatically, and (2) while teachers may successfully employ computers with their writing students, their choices of methods remain critical, this paper surveys computer approaches and appropriate software for…

Describes interactive computer software programs that develop prewriting, word processing, and revising skills. (MM)

Designed to supplement the day-to-day planning, teaching, and evaluation activities of writing teachers at all educational levels, this compilation contains 711 citations of documents that appeared in "Resources in Education" from 1966 to 1981. Section headings include (1) the prewriting stage; (2) informative, persuasive, and literary…