This handbook is designed to provide information to help teachers keep abreast of changes in word processing and to develop necessary teaching skills. The handbook is divided into two main parts: understanding word processing and teaching word processing skills. In the introduction the part word processing plays in the business scheme of a company is discussed. In part 1, the concept of word processing is examined from the standpoints of origin and history, why it is popular, need for and cost of word processing, and its basic organizational concept. Word processing systems are studied in terms of organizational plans and decision-making procedures (preplanning, and adoption). The operational beginnings and personnel qualifications necessary to the establishment of a word processing center are also analyzed in part 1. Finally, the types of word processing equipment (hardware and software) are explained. In section 2, the elements of input (dictating skills, planning, and determining priorities), output (keyboarding, making corrections, transcription, proofreading and editing, production measurement), and distribution (filing and logging) are described. Many flow charts, sample forms, and figures illustrate the material. Most chapters also contain glossaries and bibliographies. (Author/CT)