In this study, the effect of the word processor on third semester Spanish students at the University of Arizona was examined. The study was performed over two semesters, using a control and an experimental group each time. The communicative language approach for second language learning was implemented in a cooperative learning environment for both control and experimental groups. Control groups used paper and pencil to write their class essays and experimental groups used the word processor. The experimental groups outperformed the control groups. The semester variable by itself was also significant. However, there was no significant interaction between group and semester. Replication studies are needed to validate the results of this study.