Discussion of the role of computers in teaching basic writers to write focuses on a study of college students that examined the quality of student essays produced with word processing versus paper and pencil, described the kinds of thinking evidenced, and investigated whether any differences were gender related. (20 references) (LRW)

Finds that, among 36 Ontario students in grades 5-8, use of word processing in a language arts program increased writing productivity for all students and number of revisions for certain grades. However, fifth graders were significantly less able than others to use word processing technology. Contains 23 references. (SV)

Differences in computer use, attitude, and efficacy between female and male college freshmen were studied. It was found that when computer training was integrated into classroom work, sex differences in attitude and use declined. Unstructured, voluntary exposure to computers, however, elicited responses suggesting opposing mechanisms for females…

Reports a protocol study of a freshman composition student to examine how significant a problem it actually is to learn to operate a computer, how influential students' expectations about computers are, whether the use of a computer promoted the importance of invention strategies, and whether computers encourage revision. (MS)

Discusses four applications of the microcomputer to the classroom: (1) a program listing of how to draw circles on the Apple II computers; (2) using a database to help write stories; (3) switching computers with others while writing stories to encourage creativity; and (4) a listing of a LOGO kaleidoscope program. (MVL)

Discusses the state of desktop publishing (DTP) in education today and describes the weaknesses of the systems available for use in the classroom. Highlights include document design and layout; text composition; graphics; word processing capabilities; a comparison of commercial and educational DTP packages; and skills required for DTP. (four…

Examines the need for pre- and inservice training programs to educate teachers about educational technology and teaching methods. Describes the use of telecommunications and word processing in a college course and assesses student perceptions of using technology. Course evaluations found that 204 of 213 students did not report any negative…

Examines the development of information technology (IT) capability by teacher-trainees on a postgraduate certificate of education course; the course involves the promotion of IT use during classroom placements by teacher-mentors. Survey results indicate that for certain trainees, the development of IT skills was regarded as being synonymous with…

Discusses the use of fortune cookie fortunes in a middle school class combined with computer graphics, desktop publishing, and word processing technology to create writing assignments, games, and discussions. Topics include cultural contexts, and students creating their own fortunes. (LRW)

Describes a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course in the United Kingdom that was offered to develop teachers' computer use and skills. Results of four questionnaires that evaluated skills before the course and after one year of teaching are discussed, and requirements for information technology skills are examined. (five references)…

Describes the Knowledge Gateway Project at Wenatchee (Washington) High School, which combines computer technology with a problem-solving approach to teach communication and information processing skills to at-risk students. Networked Macintosh workstations are described; and the use of electronic mail to communicate both within a local area…

Description and review of recently introduced computer software focuses on word processing in non-Roman character sets for the MacIntosh, courseware developments using recordable CD-ROM drive, desktop video and graphics equipment, and a language lab management package. (CNP)

English teachers developed several activities for their ninth- and tenth-grade students using basic word processing capabilities. The materials described include guided writing (a job application form); passages involving cloze and pair work; relating details from a story; and work with a song and its written text. (CNP)

Explains how one teacher consultant helped students and teachers in an inner-city elementary school learn to use computers in their literature-based, word-processing supported writing program. (MG)

Discussion of how to develop curriculum that successfully integrates technology into elementary and secondary school classrooms focuses on solutions for school and classroom management tasks. Highlights include Web-based solutions; student activities; word processing; desktop publishing; draw and paint programs; spreadsheets; and database…