This paper describes an intelligent spelling error correction system for use in a word processing environment. The system employs a dictionary of 93,769 words and, provided the intended word is in the dictionary, it identifies 80 percent to 90 percent of spelling and typing errors. Nine references are cited. (Author/EJS)

Review of text processing software for microcomputers covers data entry, text editing, document formatting, and spelling and proofreading programs including "Wordstar,""PeachText,""PerfectWriter,""Select," and "The Word Plus.""The Whole Earth Software Catalog" and a new terminal to be…

A survey of 506 business teachers across the United States discovered that only 50 percent of high schools, but higher percentages of colleges, have text-editing equipment; 75 percent of schools in the western region have equipment; and the majority of all schools report inadequate equipment and financial resources. (SK)

Discusses the use of video display terminals in a newswriting course when there is not enough equipment to go around, and presents ways to use the terminal to improve students' grammar. (HOD)

Discusses use of the computer (which could be a word processor, mini-, or microcomputer) in the area of written composition and revision of text. Implications of this new writing tool are highlighted, including benefits in composing and revision strategies. (EJS)

Discusses computer applications to school administration tasks, in particular word processing, computations, and data base management systems. Advantages and disadvantages of program software and a chart containing an overview of application programs available are included. (JJD)

Review of research on students' use of word processing for text generation and revision and its impact on text quality suggests that enthusiasm about its benefits may be misplaced. Enabling students to model structural features of sophisticated texts may help with complex writing tasks and change conceptions of writing. (SK)

Minimalist design principles were used to test whether instructional intervention could decrease computer anxiety of subjects learning basic word-processing skills. Subjects were pre- and posttested on anxiety during each session. Findings indicated that the method as well as increased computer use decreased anxiety. (Author/AEF)

An array of desktop technologies, including integrated word processing software, presentation software, database software, electronic mail, and Internet search engines, can make a principal's life easier and more challenging. Administrators should devote sufficient time and commitment to honing their skills, sharing their knowledge via hands-on…

A meta-analysis compared quality of writing samples of 836 students (kindergarten through college) using word processors versus traditional writing methods. Study found small but significant improvement of quality of those using word processors; no significant difference between experienced and nonexperienced writers; small, significant positive…

Discusses the capabilities and limitations of 10 computer programs that analyze writing style. Describes the mechanisms by which these programs read a text, analyze the writing style, and offer suggestions for improving writing style. (KEH)

Discussion of student advising highlights the development of a personalized electronic advising system (EAS) to supplement the university calendar. Word processing programs that are used as the basis for the EAS are discussed, the inclusion of student records is described, and the ease with which information can be modified is emphasized. (LRW)

Presents a study examining the effects of using pen and paper and word processing on planning processes. Results show that writers using word processing alone: (1) planned less overall; (2) planned less before beginning to write; (3) did less conceptual planning; and (4) did more sequential or local planning. (RAE)

Emphasizes the need for business or technical writing teachers to consider the machines used in the workplace when planning materials and procedures for courses. Recommends gaining familiarity with machines, choosing which technology to teach, and implementing the use of computers and other business machines in the classroom. (KEH)

Argues that low-cost speech synthesizers used to read drafts back to students are potentially valuable aids to revision. Suggests possible classroom applications, and describes the kinds of assistance synthesizers offer writers while still allowing them to diagnose problems and to formulate their own plans for revision. (KEH)