This study examined the effects of animated presentations on intentional and incidental learning and the degree to which computer practice activities contained intrinsically motivating characteristics as measured by continuing motivation. A total of 70 fourth graders participated in an introductory lesson on Newton's laws of motion. Two levels of…

The purpose of this study--which was a part of the Flexible Learning Environment project at the University School of Nova University in Florida--was to determine if there was a difference in learning to solve mathematics word problems between groups using computer assisted instruction and groups taught by teachers. Fifth-grade students (N=31) were…

The effects of visual grouping strategies involving animated and static graphic presentations on learning were studied. Also studied was the ability of students to learn a scientific rule presented incidentally in an animated sequence in the hope of replicating results from previous research. A total of 39 fourth graders participated in an…

The effect of computer-assisted instruction on spatial problem solving skills was examined in this study. Subjects were fifth grade students from nine classes, who were divided into three treatment groups in a nonrandom fashion: (1) computer-assisted group, which used computer software designed to help students improve spatial problem solving…

Unfortunately, much of the research devoted to Logo and problem solving has not supported the claim that Logo provides an environment in which children will develop problem solving skills, but the literature suggests that direct instruction and mediated Logo programming practice can result in the acquisition and transfer of certain problem solving…

This investigation of the effect of typing skill on using a word processor for composition hypothesized that students who had learned keyboarding skills would: (1) write longer essays when using a word processor; (2) revise their essays more when using a word processor; (3) feel more positive about typing when using a word processor than students…

Describes study that examined the effects of combining word processors, spelling checkers, and spelling drill and practice programs to individualize spelling instruction for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are explained, selection of software is discussed, and suggestions for software development…

The effects of group computer-based instruction and learning style on achievement and attitude were studied for 190 elementary school students in grades 4 and 5 in Austin (Texas). The cooperative learning methodology chosen for this study was "Learning Together." Learning Together is a cooperative learning method emphasizing five major…

A study was carried out at Pennsylvania State University to examine the effects of both textual and computer animated orienting activities--i.e., mediators through which new information is presented to the learner--and practice on the application and problem solving skills of elementary school students. It was hypothesized that students provided…

This study investigated the effects of medium of instruction, task difficulty, and gender on continuing motivation. A total of 139 fifth and sixth graders with previous computer experience completed an initial learning task in one of the two media formats (computer or paper/pencil) and under either a hard or easy difficulty level. Students' choice…

The Memphis Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT), one of seven ACOT locations, was a joint project of the city schools and Apple Computer. The ACOT consisted of a class of 30 fifth grade students in an inner city school, who were selected on the basis of the willingness of the students and their parents to participate and to use computers in the…

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of 2 science simulation programs for 11- and 12-year-olds in a developing country (Guyana). Computer-assisted learning (CAL) results are compared with results from written assignments, effect size is discussed, gender differences are examined, and ability levels are considered. (14 references)…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both ability grouping and cooperative training on microcomputer learning at the upper elementary level using both drill and practice and tutorial software programs. A total of 263 grade 5 and 6 students participated in the study. Half of the group was trained on cooperative interpersonal…

The development and evaluation of several microcomputer-based strategies designed to facilitate learning how to solve mathematics word problems by personalizing examples in accord with individuals' background and interests are described in this paper. The first of two studies conducted with fifth and sixth grade students to evaluate these…

This study examined the effects of a computer-mediated networked learning environment on the writing of fifth grade students who used word processing to write four texts collaboratively during an 8-week period. A telecommunication network was utilized to allow the students in the experimental group to send their work via e-mail to an audience of…