This paper outlines methods for students in an introductory speech course at Southern Arkansas University to use microcomputers as essential research tools in class assignments. The outline is divided into seven projects, each with two objectives and a list of activities and procedures: (1) speech of introduction; (2) impromptu speech; (3) extemporaneous speech; (4) demonstrative speech; (5) informative speech; (6) group discussion; and (7) persuasive speech. Instructions on using electronic mail in a class and a list of networked library CD-ROMs are included. (CR)