Four- and 5-year-olds' understanding of basic turtle graphics commands was examined before and after a hands-on, interactive problem-solving experience. Children (n=32) saw display screen events consisting of an initial turtle state, a command transformation, and the resulting turtle state. They were asked to give the command executed in each…

In 1982-83 the St. Paul, Minnesota, schools introduced computers using LOGO programs into the system. Research shows that, as a result, half the students improved in academic performance, and low-achieving students improved at the same rate as other students. MD)

The paper discusses the major topics of software, examines research on the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) for learning disabled adolescents, and suggests specific and creative uses of microcomputers in academic and cognitive skill development. (Author/CL)

Describes the success of an innercity Chicago school's computer program. The intensive computer-based curriculum has increased student's test scores at every level. Both the administrators and teachers are enthusiastic about the program's achievements. (MD)

Discusses a study of student attitudes toward using computer-assisted learning (CAL). Explores the relationship between these attitudes and field-dependent or field-independent cognitive style, gender differences, and academic success. Concludes that male subjects preferred CAL more than females did but otherwise found no gender, cognitive style,…

A WICAT Computer Assisted Instructional (CAI) System began operation at St. Anne Consensus School (Tennessee) in August, 1986. Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) scores for the years 1984 through 1988 for ten students in each of the grades 4th through 8th (as of May 1988) were analyzed. The average gain for all subjects during the two years before…

Describes three studies conducted at Pennsylvania State University to determine the effects on achievement and student satisfaction of various ratios of questions or highlights to text in computer assisted instruction (CAI) modules; question or highlight placement; and having questions or highlights on same or following page of target text. (MBR)

Computer Assisted Instruciton (CAI) helps schools meet the challenge of student dropouts. CAI provides individualized instruction, a positive learning experience, and immediate feedback. Black students at Chicago's Williams Elementary School have gained in reading and math. CAI projects in Louisville, Kentucky, and Baltimore have improved academic…

Reports on a study designed to investigate how the use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) tutorial programs, incorporating advance organizers and involving various sizes of groups of subjects, would affect achievement scores, retention scores, and rates of learning. (TW)

Presents an outline for an inservice teacher training program on computer-assisted instruction that focuses on curriculum goals and identifying student problems. (MD)

Forty-eight elementary children with hearing impairments were assigned to either computer-assisted instruction or small-group instruction and workbooks, for math or language arts. Results showed that computer-assisted instruction did not affect improvement in written language skills or standardized achievement tests but did show positive effects…

Indicates that increased exposure to different objects in teaching orthographic projection benefits students, especially when they can manipulate and see the surfaces, points, and lines simultaneously or sequentially in three views. Positive attitudes and increased scores were noted after students used interactive computer graphics in an…

A recent cost-benefit analysis was made of reduced class size, increased instructional time, computer-assisted instruction, and peer or cross-age tutoring. Tutoring turned out to have the greatest effect on student learning and to be the most cost effective. Implementation of a successful tutoring program is described. (MT)

Reports a study that compared the effects of three methods of instruction, use of hands-on activities, hands-on activities in combination with computer-assisted instruction (CAI), or text-based activities, on student achievement and attitude. Results indicated students receiving a combination of hands-on activities with CAI scored significantly…

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, designed to develop thinking skills and improve academic achievement for disadvantaged students in grades four through six by using computers. Highlights include curriculum development, teacher training, and the development of new approaches to existing software. (LRW)