Computer-Assisted Writing Instruction in Journalism and Professional Education

This incisive study examines the uses of computers and telecommunications in the teaching of writing in the fields of journalism and education. The research, based on the results of a questionnaire submitted to college journalism and communication programs in the United States, focuses on the current and projected use of computers and deals with such innovations as the use of online information services (newswires and archives, encyclopedias, statistical source), computer resident reference aids (thesaurus, dictionaries, style books), networking for instructor and student convenience, and software offering a variety of assists (spelling and grammar checks, readability analyses, stylistic assessments, minor editing suggestion, simulation of research for story writing, and instructor assistance in grading). In addition, the author concludes that desktop publishing will be the next technology-based expansion of communications curricula, in light of the recent availability of page design layout with provisions for type fonts, graphics, and bidirectional justification.

It is often said that the software industry will mature as developers improve in knowledge of their markets; Computer Assisted Writing Instruction in Journalism and Professional Education describes that market and concludes that computer assisted writing instruction is an integral part of professional writing programs with many applications yet to come. It will be of primary value to educators planning, managing, or teaching in computer assisted writing laboratories concentrating on professional training. It will also be immensely useful to educators developing beginning level writing laboratories, and those individuals and companies developing software for writing instruction or textbooks for computer-based courses.

FREDERICK WILLIAMS is Director of the Center for Research on Communication Technology and Society at the University of Texas at Austin where he also occupies the Mary Gibbs Jones Centennial Chair in Communication.