One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on the use of computers to improve skills and attitudes in writing instruction. Pre-writing tools such as group brainstorming, story webs, free-writing, journal entries, and prewriting guides help generate ideas and can be carried out either on or off the computer. Frequent journal or free-writing time on the computer, exploration of graphics, and use of the computer as a collaborative writing tool are recommended as powerful ways to stimulate students' interest. Suggestions for using the computer as a revising tool include focusing on one aspect of writing per pass through the text and printing out subsequent drafts. The use of word processing editing features as well as special software programs to support the editing process such as text analysis programs and spelling checkers are discussed. Guidelines for selecting hardware and software cover various adaptive input and output devices and design features of writing software such as embedded spelling checkers and screen prompts or icons. Basic machine and keyboard skills necessary for word processing are identified. Student writing on the computer three times per week is encouraged. Listed are 10 recommended readings, 3 computer-supported writing process curriculum materials, 3 organizational resources, 6 periodicals, and 10 writing software packages. (DB)