The term "cognitive tool" has been used in many areas of academic specialisation, where it has taken on multiple connotations. In this historical and systematic review, we investigate the conceptualisation of cognitive tools in the learning sciences and educational technology. First, the theory of cognitive tools vis-à-vis learning and…

Written by a father of a child with autism, this article discusses the child's symptoms, the diagnosis of autism, and the child's behavior problems. It describes the use of different types of computer software that has enabled the child to experience a series of cognitive jumps. (CR)

This article identifies three uses of educational technology and evaluates their potential to change curricula and pedagogic strategies. The article is in four parts, with the first outlining a temporal model of change and discussing educators' expectations of continuities and discontinuities in practice. In order to distinguish minor…

Compares expert-/novice-based problem-solving behaviors with a Geographic Information Systems program. Uses naturalistic methods to analyze problem-solving strategies for occurrence of thematic elements. Reports that experts relied on logical formulations to query the database while novices used trial-and-error methods and midlevel cognitive…

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)

Properties of information most likely to attract student attention and how students use information they generate are clarified. Students' expectations of empirical information in geometry and the design of a new version of the Geometric Supposer are discussed. (CW)

This study investigates the role of basic elements of a learning context namely: the given tasks, the nature of the provided tools, and the pupils' gender in their choice of tools provided by an open problem-solving computer environment. Pupils' choice of tools is discussed through the description of an experiment involving the interaction of (30)…

The authors summarize the research on the effects of computer use by young children, concentrating especially on implications for social, emotional, and cognitive development. They cover effects on children's language and reading, creativity, and mathematics learning. They note the importance of teacher planning for appropriate computer use in the…

Discusses the use of a microcomputer in the assessment of middle school pupils in science classes. Describes experimental details, the computer program, test procedures, and results. Concluded that pupils benefit from the immediate feedback provided by computer assessment compared to traditional methods. (CW)

Points out that computer software which is to be used with young children in early childhood classes must be designed and selected to reflect a sound developmental approach to learning. Also presents 10 criteria for developmentally appropriate software and reviews several developmentally appropriate computer programs for young children. (BB)

Discussed is the use of a program called MathCAD which allows students to solve higher order polynomial equations and geometry problems. The use of cooperative learning is emphasized. Included are graphs and part of a printout generated while solving problems with MathCAD. (KR)

Described is a computer-based tool, SemNet, which can be used by good and poor students to facilitate, extend, and polish their learning skills. Emphasized are skills associated with meaningful or deep-level learning. The components, use, and theoretical background of the software are discussed. (CW)

This paper provides an historical perspective on the possible roles of cognitive technologies in thinking as "reorganizers" of the mind. It suggests that by understanding the transformational roles of advanced technologies for mathematical thinking, positive contributions can be made to research and practice on the use of computers in…

The concept of the density of a material has an important role in elementary and secondary school science curricula, but it is a difficult concept to grasp. This project explores why this should be and whether there are some simpler, more accessible notions which can serve as the basis for building a concept of density in students' minds during…

Responds to a recent critical report on computers in childhood. Highlights include computers, children, and research; social and emotional development; types of software; motivation; social and cognitive interactions; cognitive development; creativity; language and literacy; writing and word processing; mathematics and reasoning; and science and…