In the ZAP project, a set of interactive computer programs called "ZAPs" was developed. The programs were designed in such a way that first-year students experience psychological phenomena in a vivid and self-explanatory way. Students can either take the role of participant in a psychological experiment, they can experience phenomena themselves,…

This article discusses how laptop computers can be used in gifted education to create learner-centered environments, promote independent inquiry, stimulate creativity, risk taking, and development of passions, encourage complexity of ideas and higher level thinking, offer a variety of grouping options, and provide for flexibility and mobility.…

This book shows how and why the computer is so well suited to producing discovery learning environments. An examination of the literature outlines four basic modes of instruction: didactic, Socratic, inquiry, and discovery. Research from the fields of education, psychology, and physiology is presented to demonstrate the many strengths of…

Describes the basic mechanisms of the SimQuest, an authoring system for designing/creating simulation-based learning environments. The functionality authors have in providing the learner with guidance and experiences on how authors use opportunities and learners employ the cognitive support are reported.(Author)

Describes examples of student-centered activities for exploring mathematical induction using BASIC programs or spreadsheets. Discusses the advantages of using this medium to teach the concept and provides computer programs for the activities. (MDH)

The recent introduction of the Internet into classrooms provides an opportunity for learners to access a wide range of digital resources on the World Wide Web. The development of on-line learning materials can support inquiry-based activities for students as they pursue questions of interest, plan searches, and analyze their findings. This paper…

Maintains that most computer tutorials retain a print orientation substituting connected computer screens for the pages of a book. Argues for a more creative use of computers' interactive capability. Presents three model tutorials concerning the Maastricht Treaty and U.S. Constitutional ratification. (MJP)

Describes an activity intended to incorporate investigation into learning of mathematics. The example cited involved having fourth graders study perimeter and area of rectangles using Logo. The author suggests that what began as a simple exercise in investigating geometric concepts became an exciting exploration that touched on many topics. (PK)

Explains how the Mathcad computer program can promote the development of higher-order chemical thinking skills of students taking junior-level physical chemistry courses. The kinetics of first-order series and reversible reactions is used as an example of how this can be implemented within an interactive laboratory or lecture format. (PVD)

Described is an introductory probability and statistics class focused on teaching the concepts of sampling and binomial distributions through a strategy based on teacher and student generated simulation using the Boxer computer language. The value of integrating programing with teaching subject matter is demonstrated, and sample student work is…

This article discusses teaching students in a technology-based classroom to become marketable in the multimedia industry through personal empowerment, meeting business-based classroom work expectations, developing business-based projects, and providing classroom presentations. It describes the use of teambuilding activities and participation in…

Presents activities employing LOGO to help create situations that enable students to make meaningful cognitive connections while exploring mathematical relationships. Activities explore the concepts of angles and rotations, progressing from off-line to on-line activities with suggested extensions. (MDH)

This paper presents a research study of children using on-screen manipulatives (objects represented graphically on the computer screen) in learning mathematics. The paper begins by offering the rationale for the use of manipulatives in mathematics education, an assessment of why manipulatives are not more commonly used in schools, and a discussion…

This paper examines a range of studies done on the "Geometric Supposer" software and its use since the mid-1980s. It describes how the "Geometric Supposer" is a response to the call for reform by the mathematics community to create classroom environments that allow students to construct their own knowledge. This approach to…

This is one of a series of three books addressing the question of the nature of technological literacy. This volume, consisting of an introduction, an epilogue, and 12 chapters, focuses on classrooms and classroom processes involving computers and deals directly with teacher and student usage of microcomputers in teaching and learning. The 12…