With the steady increase of ubiquitous computing initiatives across the country in the last decade, there is a pressing need for specific research looking at content area instruction in 1:1 settings. This qualitative multiple case study examines writing instruction at two middle schools as it is delivered by experienced teachers in five English language arts classrooms in 1:1 settings. The driving inquiry behind the study reads, "How are teachers' pedagogical strategies for teaching writing influenced by their students' 1:1 laptop access?" Detailed teacher interviews, classroom observations, student interviews and focus group discussions, and lesson plans comprise the sources of data for the study. Themes emerging from the data include the struggle of distractions in many 1:1 English language arts settings, an evolving balance between paper-based and laptop-enabled writing activities, and the not-so-subtle influence of teachers' values on the types of writing activities assigned. Discussion centers on student and teacher challenges in the 1:1 setting, changes in writing activities taking place and the use of time for the writing process, and the influence of these factors on teachers' pedagogical strategies for teaching writing as a result. Findings indicate that teacher participants value ubiquitous computing access for their students, though there is considerable variety in the way in which writing instruction is implemented. Reasons for this variation include personal teacher values concerning pedagogy, content, and technology, variations in teacher perception of a need for balance between paper-based and online writing activities, and the types of access students have to their laptops. Implications for English language arts instruction are provided as are suggestions for future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]