We analyzed 5th grade students' interactions with one computer-based modeling simulation to examine how they defined and prioritized variables in a dynamically simulated environment. Results revealed that exposure to the simulation environment helped students visualize continuous motions, interpret the different quantities present in the model,…

Social interdependence is a key concept in CSCL research. However, investigations of students' positive and negative interdependence during collaborative activities have often relied on self-report, rather than dialogue analysis. Bringing together politeness and social interdependence theory, we assessed "dialogue indicators" of positive…

Mathematics education designers and researchers are beginning to appreciate the pedagogical potential of embodied interaction (EI) instructional activities, yet little theory is available to understand its historical roots, sociocognitive mechanisms, and implementation practice. We draw on empirical data (n = 22) from a Grades 4-6 EI…

Four fifth grade classrooms embarked on a modified ubiquitous computing initiative in Fall 2003. Two 15-computer wireless laptop carts were shared among the four classrooms in an effort to integrate technology across the curriculum and affect change in student learning and teacher pedagogy. This initiative?in contrast to other 1:1 programs and…

This research investigated the effects of a technology based learning program on 219 5th graders' reading and technology skills. Central to the program's design is its capacity to deliver reading materials that are on students' individually differentiated reading levels. That is, on any given day all students in a classroom receive a reading…