Discussion of the use of computer programing languages to facilitate cognitive skill transfer focuses on logical reasoning. Conditional logic principles are examined, and a study is described that examined the effects of learning the LOGO Programing Language on fifth graders' conditional reasoning abilities. (35 references) (LRW)

A major obstacle to the effective educational use of computers is the lack of a natural means of communication between the student and the computer. This report describes a technique for generating such natural language front-ends for advanced instructional systems. It discusses: (1) the essential properties of a natural language front-end, (2)…

The research reported in this paper explores the syntactical and semantic link between computer programming statements and logical principles, and addresses the effects of learning a programming language on logical reasoning ability. Fifth grade students in a public school in Syracuse, New York, were randomly selected as subjects, and then…

Described is a study in which seventh graders used LOGO in place of receiving geometry instruction. It was hypothesized that angle recognition estimation and construction would be higher for the LOGO group. Reports that a difference was found favoring the LOGO group. Provides a short history of the LOGO language. (MVL)

Discusses the claims that experiences in computer programming enhance performance on conditional reasoning tasks. Describes three experimental studies designed to address that hypothesis using three different populations of students. Results of all three studies indicate nonsignificant treatment effects. (TW)