Background: Problem-solving competences have evolved into key skills for professionals. Computer-based business simulations enable the analysis of problem-solving processes beyond end results. An important aspect of successful problem-solving is to systematically use built-in tools and process the provided information efficiently. Objectives: This…

Examines the place of mental models in the process of knowledge construction, particularly by the relationship between mental models and computer models in that process. Analyzes and discusses children's use of spreadsheets to build their own computer models. Suggests that the process of building models on a computer may provide direct support to…

Describes a study of secondary school students in the Netherlands that compared the use of paper and pencil or computer spreadsheets to solve correlational problems in geography. Discusses results of videotape transcripts that compared teacher and student behaviors and considered mechanisms through which computers contribute to learning.…

To examine the effects of introducing portable computers into secondary schools, a study was conducted regarding information technology skills and attitudes of staff and eighth grade students prior to and after receiving individual portable computers. Knowledge and use of word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications increased for both…

Reports on the graphing work of children, aged eight and nine years, who have access to portable computers across the curriculum. Describes two learning sequences: in one, the children collected data and then explored the computer graphing facilities; and in the other, graphing is used iteratively as an integral part of the ongoing task.…