The 3D cube figures used by Shepard and Metzler [Shepard, R. N., & Metzler, J. (1971). "Mental rotation of three-dimensional objects." "Science," 171, 701-703] have been applied in a broad range of studies on mental rotation. This note provides a brief background on these figures, their general use in cognitive psychology and their role in…

Research is reviewed on the use of microcomputer technology with learning disabled students in two major areas: (1) extended practice and its role in the development of increased automaticity of basic information processing skills; and (2) problem solving and metacognitive activities. (Author/DB)

This study compared the use by 6 gifted and 6 nongifted students (ages 10 and 11) of a software package designed to develop cognitive control strategies. Bright students more often used a plan in their strategy, offered suggestions for improving the software, and monitored their own performance. (Author/DB)

The Educational Technology Center (ETC) Complex Systems Project was initiated to explore ways of using computers to help students understand systems which have often proven too complex for most high school students to understand. Preliminary work concentrated on the cognitive processes involved in modeling simple systems. This paper describes an…

Discusses programs to provide a knowledge base and use the knowledge in a mode of artificial intelligence. Indicates that two methods of database storage are possible and opts to use a method using many data files while using a small RAM capacity. Lists several programs. (MVL)

Reports on a study of seven preschool children engaged in drawing activities with traditional media (crayons, felt-tip pens, etc.) and a mouse-driven computer paintbox program. Finds that the same basic media-independent strategies are used when children try to establish a relationship between their mark-making actions and the resultant effects.…

This document provides an introduction to the relationship between the current knowledge of focused and creative thinking and artificial intelligence. A model for stages of focused and creative thinking gives: problem encounter/setting, preparation, concentration/incubation, clarification/generation and evaluation/judgment. While a computer can…

This paper reports on the effects of structuring problem solving activities of novices in the domain of physics in a way consistent with the problem solving approaches used by experts. A total of 42 undergraduate students who completed a first semester physics course and received a grade of B or better participated in this study. The treatment…

Argues that computer instantiations of abstract concepts could assist mathematics education by providing concrete experiences and by inducing the mental process of construction that Piaget called reflexive abstraction. College students with computer experiences scored higher than those taught with traditional methods on a test of functions and…

Presents a study in which children considered alternative continuations of a text through a computer program. Reports that subjects were to monitor text production and correct coherence problems. Discusses reason levels: (1) implicit, local reasoning; (2) attention to global text characteristics; and (3) considerations on the function of…

The Scientific Theory and Method Project (STAMPS) is concerned with students' understanding of two areas of science in secondary schools. One is understanding what a scientific theory is, and the other is understanding the methods used in conducting scientific research. In the science curriculum these topics are often described as the process of…

Asserts that humanities computing techniques and methodologies remain marginal to mainstream literary scholarship. Argues for large scale analyses of text databases that would incorporate a shift in theoretical orientation to include greater stress on intertextuality and sign theory. (CFR)

Discusses the importance of applying computational modeling and artificial intelligence techniques to music cognition and computer music research. Recommends three uses of microworlds to trim computational theories to their bare minimum, allowing for better and easier comparison. (CFR)

Presents a critical overview of trends in research on writing skills. Defines criteria for the studies based on current cognitive writing models. Includes treatments designed to change writer activity by influencing knowledge and cognitive functions. Discusses acquisition of knowledge or expert skills, interaction with other writers, and computer…

Reviews research in which computers have provided support for collaborative learning. Asserts that the technology itself is not neutral with respect to learning activities. Concludes that computer interface with the learner involves more than just the interaction with the computer. (CFR)