The computer as an aid to public relations writing

Abstract

This article proposes that the Public Relations Division of AEJMC takes the lead in applying computer-assisted instruction techniques to the teaching of writing in public relations and other areas of communications. Noting that university level student writers have not yet mastered the basics of grammar, punctuation, and style, and that teachers of writing are consequently required to use inordinate amounts of vital class time on these fundamentals, the paper calls for two channels of action to be led by the Public Relations Division. Committee action to state requirements to the computer industry for interactive computers with programmes geared to teach and reinforce the mechanics of grammar, punctuation, spelling, abbreviation, capitalisation, word-compounding, titles and other stylebook forms. It is also suggested that these basic course programmes be applied in departmental communications computer centres. Committee action to consider long-term requirements for standardised interactive terminals and p...