Responding to concerns of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Task Force on Excellence in Education that current uses of computers in teaching English language arts may undercut rather than advance excellence, this report, prepared by the NCTE Committee on Instructional Technology, summarizes the committee's thoughts and recommendations on the issue raised. After introducing the issue, the report identifies and discusses five concerns of the committee: (1) the use of computers in teaching composing and edition; (2) computer programs with responsive interaction in reading; (3) qualifications of teachers of word processing; (4) specifying technology in today's K-12 classroom; and (5) communication skills needed in an information society. The report concludes with the committee's recommendations for action: (1) develop a model teacher-training program to help schools and teachers realize the promise of excellence in teaching English through intelligent use of computers; (2) develop a computer-based communication network to serve as a new medium for teacher and student writing, and as a communication channel for council business; (3) initiate and support a "Schools Recognition Program for Exemplary Use of Instructional Technology in the Teaching of English"; (4) begin a new era of open cooperation and collaboration with business; and (5) become a force advocating greater computer access by English teachers and students. Appendixes provide a discussion of computers and the stages of writing and a decision guide for technology in the classroom. (HOD)