Recent studies have tested the addition of worked examples to tutored problem solving, a more effective instructional approach than the untutored problem solving used in prior worked example research. These studies involved Cognitive Tutors, software designed to support problem solving while minimizing extraneous cognitive load by providing…

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) has shown increased popularity recently and there are many studies showing promise for this approach for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, there are no between-subject studies to date assessing the efficacy of CAI with this population. In this study, 47 preschool and K-1 students in ASD…

The use of PowerPoint slides has become an almost ubiquitous practice in university classrooms, however little research has examined whether the timing of lecture slide availability to students (either before or after lecture) affects classroom behaviour or exam performance. Using a 2 (slide availability condition) x 2 (course type)…

This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAI vs. classroom lecture for computer science at ICS level. The objectives were to compare the learning effects of two groups with classroom lecture and computer-assisted instruction studying the same curriculum and the effects of CAI and CRL in terms of cognitive development. Hypotheses of…

The article reviews the literature on normal cognitive development and specific cognitive skills required for picture recognition in children 12 to 30 months old. Conclusions are drawn concerning appropriate presentation in designing software for a cognitively young population. (Author/DB)

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

Web 2.0 software, in particular wikis, have the potential to allow students to become active contributors to the Internet and, as a result, restructure traditional learning environments. In this study, the effects of student-created wikis were evaluated through measures of student engagement, cognitive benefits, and student learning in both the…

A discussion is provided of the use of computers in writing instruction at the community and junior college level. After providing an account of the introduction of computer technology into the author's personal and professional life, the paper outlines ways in which the computer can be used to teach writing skills. Following an analysis of the…

Representations and changes between them play a major role in education (e.g., Hewson, Beeth, & Thorley, 1998), problem solving (e.g., Bauer & Reiser, 1990), cognitive development (e.g., Vosniadou & Brewer, 1992), and the history of science (e.g., Kuhn, 1970). By definition, change of representations is also indispensable for collaborative work…

The development and use of educational software for children with severe learning problems are described. The software deals with common conceptual, communicative, and problem-solving problems in this population. It is argued that appropriately structured computer-mediated interaction can result in development and expression of cognitive skills…

Word processing programs offer five capabilities that can help students over the physical and psychological constraints associated with writing. First, producing text on a word processor is more tentative and more noncommital than producing text on paper. This reassures the writer that it is all right to experiment with words. Second, the blinking…

This study compared the use by 6 gifted and 6 nongifted students (ages 10 and 11) of a software package designed to develop cognitive control strategies. Bright students more often used a plan in their strategy, offered suggestions for improving the software, and monitored their own performance. (Author/DB)

This paper argues that the microcomputer has a place in early childhood education when it is coupled with microworld software. Microworld software formats are open-ended, user-designable, child-oriented software experiences providing children with direct access to specific concepts and the opportunity to exercise those concepts in meaningful ways.…

This paper identifies several reasons for the gap between the possible instructional uses of computers and their actual use in classrooms and discusses considerations in planning programs which will bring computer education closer to its envisioned promise. The Assessing the Cognitive Consequences of Computer Environments for Learning (ACCCEL)…

Use of computers by young children may increase cognitive development and motivation. Computer use may also increase capabilities of disabled children. Concerns about young children's use of computers center on the nature of software, cultural values reflected in software, and equity of computer use. (NH)