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ERIC Number: ED277015
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Nov-29
Pages: 139
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Report on the Writer's Workbench and Other Writing Tools.
Hazen, Margret; And Others
Comparing the effectiveness of several comprehensive computer-assisted writing tools, this final report on the Writing Tools Project evaluates five IBM programs--"Writer's Workbench" (WWB), "HBJ Writer,""Rightwriter,""UNC-CH Write," and "Writing Is Thinking"--and two Macintosh programs--"Writer's Helper" and "ALP MacProof." Each program is discussed separately and the project's design and implementation are detailed. The following summary observations were made: (1) the programs' analysis of computer text offered relatively little applicable advice; (2) although most programs were on-screen versions of traditional prewriting techniques, these methods may be more effective in computer form because they individualize the process and students prefer the anonymity and novelty of computer suggestions; and (3) the fluidity and neat, objective appearance of the words on the screen and the ease with which writers can edit and rearrange text made these programs powerful writing tools. Appendixes which make up more than half of the document include the WWB Proposal; a job description (lab assistant); a mailing list; the WWB Lab Survey; memos circulated to students, instructors, staff, administrators, and attendees involved in the project; faculty and student comments; a chart comparing the software; WWB documents; a sample student paper; and sample output from "HBJ Writer,""Rightwriter,""Writer's Helper," and "Writer's Workbench." (JD)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: North Carolina Univ., Chapel Hill, Microcomputing Support Center.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A