A study explored the status of computer aided instruction (CAI) in writing programs offered by community colleges identified as using CAI. The questionnaire, completed in the winter of 1986 by 198 English instructors, measured accessibility of computers to faculty and students, types of hardware and software, computer locations, computer facility staffing, computer training, students' use of computers, instructional applications, and barriers to CAI. Findings indicated that, although 86% of the respondents had free computer access, the development of CAI was inhibited by faculty lack of interest, time, administrative support, technical assistance, and quality software and hardware. For effective CAI, results suggested that community colleges' administrators should (1) provide adequate hardware and software, (2) support English instructors' innovative efforts in CAI, (3) arrange computer workshops for faculty and institute "computer literacy" courses into all curricula, (4) implement systematic instructional computing within a free-access environment, and (5) increase efficient utilization of staff. In addition, the findings suggested that English instructors should, by acquiring specialized training in learning theories, curriculum development, composition theory, and computer application, be able to make informed judgments about CAI in writing programs. A four-page bibliography and tables of data are included; a sample questionnaire and correspondence data are appended. (JD)