Computers are powerful and flexible writing tools that can have a significant impact on the writing process and on the social context for writing in the schools. This article examines the key features of word processing, reviews the research on word processing, and discusses other computer applications that can support writing instruction.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BridwellL. S.NancarrowP. R., & RossD. (1984). The writing process and the writing machine: Current research on word processors relevant to the teaching of composition. In BeachR. B. & BridwellL. S. (Eds.), New directions in composition research (pp. 381–398). New York: Guilford Press.
2.
BurnsH., & CulpG. H. (1980). Stimulating invention in English composition through computer-assisted instruction. Educational Technology, 20(8), 5–10.
3.
CohenM., & RielM. (1986). Computer networks: Creating real audiences for students' writing (Report 15). La Jolla, CA: University of California, San Diego.
4.
DaiuteC. A. (1985). Writing and computers. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley.
5.
DaiuteC. A. (1986). Physical and cognitive factors in revising: Insights from studies with computers. Research in the Teaching of English, 20, 141–159.
6.
FlowerL.HayesJ. R.CareyL.SchriverJ., & StratmanJ. (1986). Detection, diagnosis, and the strategies of revision. College Composition and Communication, 37, 16–55.
7.
FraseL.KieferK.SmithC., & FoxM. (1985). Theory and practice in computer-aided composition. In FreedmanS. W. (Ed.), The acquisition of written language: Response and revision (pp. 195–210). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
8.
GrahamS., & HarrisK. (1987). Improving composition skills with self-instructional strategy training. Topics in Language Disorders, 7, 66–77.
9.
GrahamS., & MacArthurC. (1987). [Improving learning disabled students' skills at revising essays produced on a word processor: Self-instructional strategy training.] Unpublished raw data.
10.
GravesD. H. (1983). Writing: Teachers and children at work. Exeter, NH: Heinemann Educational Books.
11.
KerchnerL. B., & KistingerB. J. (1984). Language processing/word processing: Written expression, computers, and learning disabled students. Learning Disability Quarterly, 7, 329–335.
12.
LevinJ.RielM.RoweR., & BorutaM. (1985). Muktuk meets Jacuzzi: Computer networks and elementary school writers. In FreedmanS. W. (Ed.), The acquisition of written language: Response and revision (pp. 160–171). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
13.
MacArthurC., & GrahamS. (1987). Learning disabled students' composing under three methods of text production: Handwriting, word processing and dictation. Journal of Special Education, 21, 22–42.
14.
MacArthurC. A., & ShneidermanB. (1986). Learning disabled students' difficulties in learning to use a word processor: Implications for instruction and software evaluation. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 19, 248–253.
15.
MoroccoC. C., & NeumanS. B. (1986). Word processors and the acquisition of writing strategies. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 19, 243–247.
16.
PeytonJ. K., & BatsonT. (1986). Computer networking: Making connections between speech and writing. ERIC Clearinghouse on Language and Linguistics News Bulletin, 10(1), 1, 5–7.
17.
RielM. M. (1985). The computer chronicles newswire: A functional learning environment for acquiring literacy skills. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 1, 317–337.
18.
RosegrantT. J. (1986, April). It doesn't sound right: The role of speech output as a primary form of feedback for beginning text revision. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco.
19.
RubinA., & BruceB. (1985). Learning with QUILL: Lessons for students, teachers, and software designers, (Reading Report No. 60). Washington, DC: National Institute of Education.
20.
ScardamaliaM., & BereiterC. (1986). Research on written composition. In WittrockM. C. (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Teaching (3rd ed., pp. 778–803). New York: Macmillan.
21.
SitkoM. C., & CrealockC. M. (1986, June). A longitudinal study of the efficacy of computer technology for improving the writing skills of mildly handicapped adolescents. Paper presented at the Invitational Research Symposium on Special Education Technology, Washington, DC.
22.
WoodruffE.BereiterC., & ScardamaliaM. (1981). On the road to computer assisted compositions. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 10, 133–148.
