A computer program that provides a routine assessment of a text is an important instructional aid. AT&T's system, Writer's Workbench, provides Colorado State University's business students feedback to achieve a clear writing style in letters, memos, and reports. (MLW)

An experimental program for university summer students of French as a second language that provided a computer resource center and a variety of courseware, authoring aids, and other software for student use is described and the problems and advantages are discussed. (MSE)

Reviews software suitable for teaching elementary school language arts, specifically word processing programs for prereaders, and programs for readers grades 3-6 on typing skills and language arts development. Skill building software for word attack, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are outlined; and merchandise information is provided for…

Explores how Native children are suited for the computer culture in a discussion of Native values and learning style and of computers in education using the framework of the computer as tutor/tool/tutee. (SB)

Discusses development of a library information system by Georgetown University Medical Center's Dahlgren Memorial Library; describes its components, including online catalog and OCLC interface, circulation, serials control, acquisitions, networking/interlibrary loans, word processing and mini-Medline system; and discusses user reaction, staff…

Introduced to aid writing, word processing can cause unexpected problems for those who use it. Describes four studies in which raters gave word-processed essays consistently lower scores than handwritten essays. Reasons for the discrepancies were higher expectations for typed essays, ease of spotting text errors in typed text, and more difficulty…

A University of Pretoria (South Africa) study investigated the instructional effectiveness of and participant attitudes toward cooperative learning in a computer-assisted instructional setting (a word-processing course for teachers) which also stressed cultural diversity and ethnic relations. Subjects were 10 individuals and 8 groups (with a total…

Focuses on the use of word processers during revision in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing context. The study attempts to identify the magnitude of the effects of ESL writing expertise, text importance for students and computer familiarity upon the types of revision. (24 references) (Author/CK)

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

Suggested public relations activities for school libraries are presented in nine articles. Some of the activities described include the publication of newsletters and filmdisks using microcomputer software, a celebrity letter campaign, and planned communication with school board members. Resources for further ideas and guidelines are provided.…

Examines current use of computers by historians and teachers of history. Attempts to predict extent of their use in next decade. Focuses on the use of four types of computer programs: word processors; spreadsheets and statistical packages; database management programs; and simulations. States that the computer is a tool historians can use to make…

Presents an overview of three ways that the computer can bridge the gap between reading and writing instruction: (1) word processing in the Language Experience Approach; (2) software to combine text and graphics; and (3) software to facilitate interactive reading and writing experiences. (MG)

Three learning-disabled students, aged 10-11, received self-instructional strategy training for improving revision skills for essays they composed on a word processor. Strategy instruction positively impacted on students' revising behavior and the length and quality of their written products. Effects were maintained over time and generalized to…

Describes the use of computers in a comparative history course. Outlines course objectives and stresses the incorporation of computers into hypothesis formulation. Discusses available software packages and the pros and cons of each. Concludes with further recommendations for the use of computers in the classroom. (RW)

Investigates gender differences in computer use among 147 college students. Students completed a questionnaire designed to measure self-efficacy, computer anxiety, computer liking, and computer confidence. Results indicate gender differences in perceived self-efficacy in word processing and spreadsheet software. No gender differences were found in…