Discusses (in question/answer format) criteria to use when evaluating language arts software. Also reviews four programs illustrating principles/ideas considered in these criteria. Programs include: "Story Maker" (grades 3 and above); "Suspect Sentences" (Grades 7-12); "M-ss-ng L-nks" (grades 2 and above); and…

Reviews four programs (equivalent fractions, sentence patterns, bookself-use of Dewey system, career skills) representative of programs on a disk available from Robbinsdale Area Schools (Minneapolis, MN). Indicates programs (for Pet Commodore-16K) are interesting, well laid out, competently programed, and easy to use. (Author/JN)

Discusses potential microcomputer applications in the language arts classroom, including computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, and information processing. Examines several disadvantages of the current technology such as its emphasis on visual skills at the expense of oral language. (HTH)

Shows teachers who use language experience activities in their classrooms how to use microcomputers efficiently to increase students' reading and writing experiences. (RL)

Describes how students set up a database or collection of favorite poems on the classroom computer. (HTH)

Points out why drill work has a role in the language arts classroom, explores the possibilities of using a microcomputer to give children drill work, and discusses the characteristics of a good software program, along with faults found in many software programs. (FL)

"The Puzzler," which operates on Apple microcomputers, is designed to assist the teacher as an integral part of classroom reading and language arts instruction. This program is reviewed in terms of eight characteristics considered to be features of the best special-purpose reading tools. (JN)

Designed for use by South Carolina school districts planning to include microcomputer language arts software for grades one through eight in teaching the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) objectives in grades one through eight, this booklet presents titles of software programs given a favorable review by review services, and correlates them…

The application of microtechnology in a school for multiply handicapped children is explained to include a language arts program stressing sentence formation and letter matching, production of artificial speech, and communication aids for physically impaired children. Adaptations for severe physical involvement and for visual impairments are…

Discusses six ERIC documents reporting computer applications in reading and language arts. (FL)

A computer program titled "The Bald Headed Chicken," written for the Apple IIE and Apple IIGS, is described. The program enables primary-level students, as well as limited-English-speaking students, to manipulate graphics and text to create their own stories which can then be saved on disk or printed. (Author/JDD)

Presents a computer-assisted activity that helps students discover the importance of choosing words carefully. With a word processing program, small groups of students prepare creative, fill-in-the-blank challenges in which classmates must replace missing adjectives or verbs. (SM)

Reviews software available to the classroom teacher for desktop publishing and describes specific classroom activities. Suggests using desktop publishing to produce large print texts for students with limited sight or for primary students.(NH)

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)

Reviews computer programs designed to help students in the language arts. Games, mazes, tutorials and other formats are used to help students master vocabulary, story-writing, reading, spelling, and other language arts skills. Program title, format, system requirement, language, current price, and manufacturer are included for each program…