Observes the current impact and potential uses of computer technology in language instruction, discussing resources, funding, curriculum development, staff training, and equipment obsolescence. (CB)

Describes UNIX, a computer operating system that supports multi-task and multi-user operations. Characteristics that make it especially suitable for library applications are discussed, including a hierarchical file structure and utilities for text processing, database activities, and bibliographic work. Sources of information on hardware…

Examines the rapidly growing role for technical communicators in the computer industry as members of the external design team. Describes the kinds of decisions they are responsible for with regard to all phases of product development--as user advocates, usability testers, screen designers, and online documentation specialists. (KEH)

A description is given of a cooperative learning, group writing, and word processing project for seventh and eighth graders which used peer pressure to motivate students to improve their writing. Students published their stories in a newsletter. Information is provided on word processing programs suitable for classroom use. (IAH)

Instructional strategies for teaching learning-disabled students to use word processing for writing are considered. The features of three word processing programs useful for these students are compared for usefulness in a variety of curriculum applications. (Author/DB)

Outlines the chronology of the microcomputer revolution, the nature of academic word processing, the impact of microcomputers on historical research, and the dangers as well as opportunities this creates for historians. Concludes that microcomputers will play a greater role in both historical research and historical writing and stresses the…

This bibliography lists 754 books and articles which focus on programs that can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles using PC DOS/MS DOS, and that can be used in online information and documentation work. An index lists the software packages alphabetically by title and references them to the main entries, which are listed by author. (CLB)

This article describes features found in computer-supported writing applications, such as speech synthesis, word prediction, and grammar correction, which can support writers who have writing disabilities. The article suggests possible uses during various phases of the writing process, and provides a matrix identifying features contained in a…

Arguing that children need access to word processing to reap the same benefits as adult writers, a fourth-grade teacher convinced her administration to provide one computer per child during their writing workshop periods. Having portable word processors liberated student writers by making the mechanical aspects of writing easier. Students could…

Examines the structure of undergraduate computing at a large private university, including patterns of use, impact of computer ownership and gender, and the bureaucratic structure in which usage is embedded. The profile of computer use uncovered in a survey is compared with reports offered by the institution and the trade press. (10 references)…

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)

Two studies presented 2 groups of children--mean age 9.3 years (P5) and mean age 13.2 years (S2 "learning difficulty" students)--with computer-based writing tasks. Results from both individual and interactive writing situations show some online revision but the omission of a posttask revision stage, possibly because of a lack of…

Reviews studies on the effects of introducing word processing to basic writers. Presents the findings of an original pilot study which concludes that computer instruction causes basic students to write more. Suggests ways of improving instruction and obtaining more consistent results in future studies. (HB)

Finds an approach to improving revision skills that integrated strategy instruction, peer response, and word processing to be highly effective with seventh- and eighth-grade students with learning disabilities. (SR)

Describes how to use word processing with first graders in lessons exploring oral and written language via the computer. Suggests ways to use the language experience approach in whole-class as well as small-group instruction. (SR)