opportunities to explore and extend texts they have read, by letting them interact with characters' dilemmas and situations.

In meeting special educational needs, the computer is of particular benefit to pupils with difficulties in motor control or sensory impairments; applications of the computer for such pupils are noted elsewhere. For pupils with learning difficulties, the concept keyboard can introduce word processing and assist language development. Its use can link with other language areas and free pupils from the effort (often time-consuming) of concentrating on their presentational skills and let them deal with the development of ideas - the most important feature of writing.

In general, using the computer will enable the following language activities:

composing text which is easy to read, has visual impact and which uses language matched to a particular medium, audience and purpose;

drafting, discussing, organizing and editing pupils' own and others' writing, individually and in groups;

communicating ideas and information through word processing, voice synthesizers, fax, electronic mail or desktop publishing;

using desktop publishing to produce letters, newsletters, papers, reports, and brochure;

capturing, storing, gaining access to, changing and interpreting information, using databases, spreadsheets or multimedia and viewdata systems;

carrying out investigations, exploring fiction through simulations and adventure programs to generate thinking skills, strategies and problem solving.