Discusses the use of technology to investigate what graphs represent as well as how to interpret graphs. (MKR)

Results of empirical research relating computer programming instruction and understanding of the concept of mathematical variables is unclear. While some studies have found a positive relationship, others have reported nonsignificant results. The purpose of this study was to investigate high school students' (n=36) understanding of the concept of…

Discusses a visual programming language, Function Machine Lab, which helps students with the concept of function using the function machine image. (MKR)

Summarizes 19 papers presented at the Fourth International Conference on Teaching Statistics held in Morocco, July 1994. Papers presented were in five categories: (1) empirical studies on students' conceptions; (2) theoretical papers on teaching and learning; (3) assessment; (4) using computers in teaching probability and statistics; and (5) data…

Described and critiqued are two ideas which have proven valuable in teaching programming at the introductory level, the mental model and the programming plan. (PK)

Described are examples of classroom exercises that use interactive graphics software for personal computers to enhance the teaching of statistical concepts by allowing students to generate multiple examples, make conjectures, and verify their findings about the concept. The transfer of this interactive tool to other subject areas is suggested.…

This paper discusses the capabilities of the Internet, including the ability to combine textual with visual presentation information, that make it an especially useful learning tool for students with hearing impairments. Instructional design recommendations are made for effective computer-assisted lessons that will help to develop and expand…

Suggests one possible way to combine the technological facility of the computer with students' natural abilities for concept formation. Describes the software the "Geometric preSupposer." (PK)

Presents perspectives on creating new technology-based supports for science learning. Reviews current philosophies concerning the interpretative nature of scientific inquiry and discusses the difficulties of students and teachers in science education. Describes a prototype software system for supporting scientific inquiry processes in students.…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an electronic geoboard, a computer-software program, could be used to assess youngsters' ability to discover facts and relationships in an unlabled and ambiguous situation. Subjects--108 children, ages 6 to 12--were enrolled in grades 1 to 6 in Norwood, New York. The electronic geoboard served as…

Outlines a systematic approach to instructional design and discusses some of the cognitive and instructional issues involved in learning or teaching scientific concepts. Uses the concept of "acceleration" to illustrate the approach. Advocates the use of computers and related information technologies in concept teaching. (ML)

Describes a research strategy designed to examine learning and behavior when students interacted with microcomputers and software interfaced with a videotape cassette recorder (VCR). Utilized the VCR to record the video output from the microcomputer and students' verbal comments using a microphone unit. (TW)

Describes the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) in teaching the concepts of heat and temperature to eighth grade students. Discusses the advantages of being able to instantly display the results of their experimentation with the use of temperature and light probes, and heat pulsors. (TW)

Contains abstracts of presented papers which deal with teaching materials and methods in physiology. Includes papers on preconceptual notions in physiology, somatosensory activity recorded in the dorsal root ganglion of the bull frog, and the use of the Apple Macintosh microcomputer in teaching human anatomy and physiology. (TW)

Exposes erroneous ideas related to the use of databases for teaching thinking skills. Reviews the importance of databases for teaching social studies; describes the teacher's role in helping students use databases; discusses effective teaching strategies; and outlines what is needed to teach thinking skills. (Author/LS)