An overview of the research and design process that led to the creation of the Bank Street word processing program for children is reported. The decision to create a word processor for the classroom was based on the findings that commercially available programs took too long to learn, required the memorization of too many commands or rules, had…

A study was conducted to determine the effects of word processing on the correctness of student writing. Student papers produced on the word processor were compared with those produced without the word processor in two classes of freshman English--an experimental and a control. The teacher attempted to keep the teaching methods and curriculum in…

Differences between letters of four adolescent mildly mentally handicapped (MMH) students written by hand and those composed on a microcomputer using a word processor were examined in terms of amount of time a subject spent completing a letter, the length of a completed letter, the number of words written per unit of time needed to complete a…

A study sought to determine the effect of computer-based text editing on the revision strategies of inexperienced writers. Four subjects, none of whom had experience with computers or word processors, were selected from an introductory college composition course and required to master the basic terminal functions that would be necessary for…

Concludes that two uses of the computer are potentially helpful in social studies instruction: (1) as a data storage and manipulation tool and (2) as a writing tool for composition. Entertains diverse opinions on the necessity of computer literacy. (JK)

Suggests factors to be considered in planning for the purchase of a microcomputer, including budgets, benefits, costs, and decisions. Major uses of a personal computer are described--word processing, financial analysis, file and database management, programming and computer literacy, education, entertainment, and thrill of high technology. (EJS)

Describes current desktop publishing packages available for microcomputers and discusses the disadvantages, especially in cost, for most personal computer users. Also described is a less expensive alternative technology--desktop typesetting--which meets the requirements of users who do not need elaborate techniques for combining text and graphics.…

Discusses the rich potential of Logo (a computer programing system for children) and particularly LogoWriter (its word processor) as learning tools in the language arts. Cautions against their use as rote exercises. (SR)

The personal computer is a valuable tool for school business officials. Useful software programs for day-to-day tasks include spreadsheets, word processing, and database. Figures give an example of a spreadsheet output and the formula used in each calculation. (MLF)

Elementary school students are often exposed to computer usage before they have been taught correct typing techniques. Sample exercises to teach touch-typing to young children are provided on a reproducible page. (JL)

Annotates a selection of text-analysis and writing instruction software programs (excluding word processing), both available and in development. (MS)

Helps the teacher of composition who is seeking the most current sources of information about computer programs for writing classes. Provides starred items for novice computer users and suggests "English Microlab Registry" for a listing of colleges and universities that have computer laboratories for writing.(NH)

Describes how a word processor can be used as an authoring system for computer-assisted instruction exercise materials, noting that, although limited, this system can address a range of immediate classroom needs in foreign language teaching. (CB)

Presents and discusses three confessions regarding the effects computers have had on writing processes and products of three writing teachers. Suggests approaches to the use of word processing in composition courses and to research on such use. (SD)

The author discusses the movement toward professional workers' use of word processing as a way of increasing productivity. Implications for business educators are presented. (CH)