Most educational computer software currently available severely restricts the kinds of interaction that can take place between the student and the computer. In fact, an examination of 317 language arts programs listed in a directory of educational software shows that 60% of the programs were of the drill and practice type. In response to this problem, a microcomputer-based writing curriculum was developed for upper elementary students. Entitled QUILL, the curriculum consists of six programs, each of which addresses a pedagogical goal in the teaching of writing. The first program, Planner, helps children to develop planning and critical thinking skills by encouraging children to take notes, write down ideas, and structure thoughts that will later develop into a piece of writing. The second goal of reading and writing integration is incorporated into the program called Library. With this program students can enter text, assign keywords, and read each other's texts. The program Publisher facilitates the third goal of making writing public by formatting written text for publication. The fourth goal, to support meaningful communication with real audiences, is handled by the electronic message systems or Mailbag. Story Maker, a story construction program, supports the fifth goal of writing with and for peers. Finally, the sixth goal of revision is facilitated by the Writer's Assistant, a text editor that helps with spelling, punctuation, and subject-verb agreement. (HOD)