Computers and composition: Theory and corresponding software

Recently developed computer programs for English composition have attempted to include different elements of composition theory. Each theory emphasizes its own methods for teaching the writing process. Peter Elbow, for instance, believes that using freewriting as a means of generating invention is the most important part of teaching writing. On the other hand, theorists like Nancy Sommers and Donald Murray consider revision to be the most significant element in the writing process. From still another perspective, John C. Schafer and Geraldine Vale and other formalists believe that formalism which includes, but is not limited to, diction, style, and form should hold the highest priority for teaching writing. Programs such as HBJ Writer, Writer's Workbench, Writer's Helper and Writer's Helper II among others like them have incorporated writing theories assisting students with writing problems such as writer's block, mechanics, i.e. spelling, punctuation, grammar and some stylistic areas as sentence lengths, wordiness, excessive "to be" verbs,