This paper reviews 10 years of research on virtual manipulatives (VMs) in K-5 mathematics education with a focus on moving beyond generalized conclusions that VMs can support learning to better understanding how and when they support learning. Synthesis of fifteen articles that met the inclusion criteria revealed researchers are beginning to…

Provides the results of a survey of science teachers (n=635) regarding the status of computer use and professional development needs related to the use of computers in classrooms. Results indicate that 91% of the classrooms have computers. Professional development needs are categorized by groups: non/past users, novices, and users/experts. (DDR)

Examined the possibility of gender-by-content achievement differences in computer-based instruction (CBI) in mathematics and language arts. From a study of eighth-grade students (n=50), one of the findings was a significant three-way interaction between gender and ability from the pretest to the posttest in mathematics CBI but not in language arts…

Investigated the relationships of figural response items and open-ended verbal items in biology to figural and verbal mental aptitudes (n=24). Performance on the verbal items was positively related to verbal ability. Figural response scores were related positively to both figural and verbal abilities. (PR)

Discusses various representations of a curve and the relationships between them. Describes mathematical exercises which use Logo to derive a turtle procedure for graphically representing a cycloid. Provides a proof of the trigonometric series formula to show equality. (RT)

Decribes a study which compared computer assisted instruction (CAI) with a parallel paper-and-pencil module to assess the impact on students' achievement and attitudes in chemistry. Supports the contention that CAI works as well or better than more traditional methods and tends to promote positive attitudes. (RT)

Reviews emerging applications of microcomputers and hypermedia to assessment. Use consists mainly of computerized test administration of multiple-choice tests drawn from item banks. Significant advantages are possible in several areas including immediate feedback to students, formative evaluation with remediation possibilities, and monitoring…

Project INSITE is an on-going program in the use of computers and on-line searching, electronic mail, and CD-ROM technologies to facilitate the acquisition and exchange of information among science teachers, students, school districts, and the scientific and higher education communities. (Author/PR)