In this work we present the design of a computer-based environment aimed at engaging primary school children in argumentative practices while solving a story problem. Argumentation has been regarded from two points of view, both as a process and as a product. Students, using the collaborative tools offered by the platform, co-constructed shared…

Moving among levels of abstraction is an important skill in mathematics and computer science, and students show similar difficulties when applying abstraction in each discipline. While computer science educators have examined ways to explicitly teach students how to consciously navigate levels of abstraction, these ideas have not been explored in…

The use of technology in elementary mathematics instruction tends to be low-level, despite its affordance of supporting the development of students' high-level reasoning ability. This study builds upon a sociocultural view of learning and was designed to determine what effect a technology-mediated dialogic learning intervention has on third-grade…

Surface area is consistently identified as a curriculum standard for K-12 students and it regularly appears on national and international assessments. Recently, many schools began acquiring digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing equipment. The growing use of digital fabrication in classrooms raises the question of whether or not this…

The following study describes design research in an elementary school near the metropolitan D.C. area with a diverse student population. The goal of the project was to design tasks that leveraged technology and enhance the access to critical thinking in specific mathematical concepts: data analysis and probability. It highlights the opportunities…

American students continue to struggle on measures of student achievement. This study employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling to estimate a two-level model and examine the influences of calculator use and teachers' instructional practices on student achievement in mathematics amongst first-grade students. The outcome variable was mathematics test…

Described are 10 computer software programs for problem solving related to mathematics. Programs described are: (1) Box Solves Story Problems; (2) Safari Search; (3) Puzzle Tanks; (4) The King's Rule; (5) The Factory; (6) The Royal Rules; (7) The Enchanted Forest; (8) Gears; (9) The Super Factory; and (10) Creativity Unlimited. (RH)

This annotated bibliography contains 12 references on computers in elementary school mathematics. Topics include developing mathematical concepts with microcomputer activities, teaching mathematics with computers in primary grades, microcomputers and problem solving, review for grade 1 software, early learning of logic and geometry using…

Investigates students' understanding of the basic concepts of introductory set theory which are set, set element, cardinality, subset, and the empty set. Data was collected from preservice elementary school teachers. The project included experimentation with basic set concepts in an open computer-based environment using the mathematical computer…

Cites need for properly integrating computers into curriculum, warning about past mistakes and looking at methods to promote curricular change. Identifies as important goals a clear definition of mathematics education and the benefits of a technologically integrated curriculum presenting ideas/strategies for achieving these goals. (JM)

This article attempts to extend current research and development activities related to the use of technology in problem posing, to early grades mathematics. It is motivated by the authors' work with elementary preservice teachers toward this goal, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. New York State Learning Standards for K-4 mathematics…

Discusses the use of spreadsheets for problem solving in middle and elementary school math classes. Lists six ideas for their use in the classroom. Includes two templates. (MVL)

Describes three games that one can play with or without a computer involving arithmetic, strategy, and problem solving techniques. Lists an abbreviated program for BASIC. Provides information on availability of the variable number game and the ARITHMETICULATOR which does calculations of large numbers and runs on IBM PCs. (RT)

Provides abstracts of selected mathematics and science papers presented during the conference. Topics included: (1) problem solving using the computer; (2) controlling the environment through Logo; (3) software and technology in the science curriculum; (4) learning multiplication facts using multiple strategies; and (5) limitations and potential…

Reviewed are 11 studies reported in Dissertation Abstracts International for Social Sciences in 1989. Topics include problem solving, mathematics education, LOGO computer language, implementation of instructional computing, algebra, effects of differential grouping on learning science skills, simulations, and graphing as they relate to the use of…