This study evaluated the effects of a mathematics software program, the Building Blocks software suite, on young children's mathematics performance. Participants included 247 Kindergartners from 37 classrooms in 9 schools located in low-income communities. Children within classrooms were randomly assigned to receive 21 weeks of computer-assisted…

The framework of Tharp and Gallimore (1988) was adapted to form a ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) Model of Mathematical Proficiency that identifies two interacting kinds of learning activities: instructional conversations that assist understanding and practice that develops fluency. A Class Learning Path was conceptualized as a classroom path…

A student was observed practicing arithmetic with a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system. She enjoyed practice and believed that it helped. However, she consistently failed to solve problems on the computer that she could do with pencil and paper. This paper suggests reasons for her problems and draws implications for CAI. (Author/PK)