This paper provides an historical and empirical critique of the claim that learning to program will promote the development of general higher mental functions. A developmental perspective on learning to program is provided which incorporates cognitive science studies of mental activities involved in programming, and highlights the importance of…

Arbitrary, randomly-generated evaluative feedback given learners (such as "good,""great," or "fantastic") is pedagogically unsound. Programers of educational computer software should consider all the psychological effects of the evaluative feedback given in their programs. Programing alternatives that allow the…

Reviews instructional design research and theory and relates it to the design of computer-based instructional materials. Instructional design guidelines are offered to aid software developers in making design decisions on three macrolevel and four microlevel of instruction. (Author/LRW)

A sequence comparison procedure, referred to as the edit distance procedure, has been shown to be particularly accurate for recognizing misspelled responses in second-language computer-assisted instruction. Experience with real dictation responses indicates that this technique reliably obtains markups that appear natural for users. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the rich potential of Logo (a computer programing system for children) and particularly LogoWriter (its word processor) as learning tools in the language arts. Cautions against their use as rote exercises. (SR)

Present and potential classroom applications of microcomputers are examined in this literature review, which was conducted to identify both unjustified and well-founded claims about the advantages offered by the introduction of computers into classroom instruction. Conclusions presented indicate that: (1) such applications are being oversold by…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems highlights various instructional models which emphasize experiential interactions. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction; instructional strategies; the TICCIT system; branching; the Socratic method; definitions of tutoring and instruction; students' interactions with the computer; advisor…

Discussion of intelligent computer assisted learning (CAL) systems considers both those that offer natural language communication to the user and those that are adaptive, generative, or self-improving. Current interest in student-built learning environments (exemplified by work with LOGO and PROLOG) is examined, and obstacles to future intelligent…

Research indicates that school microcomputer use is associated with the wealth of the school district. Wealthier districts are more likely to utilize the higher level uses of the computer, whereas less affluent schools tend to use computers in computer-assisted instruction of the drill and practice variety. (MLF)

Reviews studies investigating the relation between personality characteristics and human-computer interaction. The review is divided into three areas: (1) how personality traits are related to programing aptitude and achievement; (2) personality traits of people who use program skills in their profession; and (3) the relation between personality…

Examines spatial concepts required by young children for the understanding and manipulation of turn commands in Logo, and reviews the literature on children's Logo learning and the psychological-cognitive development of spatial concepts. Geometric concepts, alternative frames of reference, and the use of Turtle graphics are also discussed. (39…

Presents a review of literature on programing in Logo, including prerequisites of programing, cognitive effects of programing, stages of programing, and levels of programing expertise. An analysis of the literature establishes the need for operationalizing problem solving with Logo, and a research strategy to meet this need is suggested. (32…

Examines the history, characteristics, and value of designed instruction that is grounded in behaviorist, cognitive science, and constructivist theory. Changes that have allowed developmental phases of instructional design are considered, including instructional design methodology, physical technology, and programing mechanisms used to develop…

Discusses software metrics and describes a study of graduate students in Hong Kong that evaluated the relevance of using software metrics as a means of assessing students' performance in programing. The use of four basic metrics to measure programing skill, complexity, programing style, and programing efficiency using Pascal is examined. (13…

This discussion of the impact of computers on education focuses on microcomputer developments since 1975, the advantages of microcomputers over other computers, some innovative computer based activities in the United States, and the principal inhibitors to effective use of computers in schools. Four references are listed. (CHC)