This study evaluated the effects of a mathematics software program, the Building Blocks software suite, on young children's mathematics performance. Participants included 247 Kindergartners from 37 classrooms in 9 schools located in low-income communities. Children within classrooms were randomly assigned to receive 21 weeks of computer-assisted…

This study evaluated the effects of a mathematics software program, the Building Blocks software suite, on young children's mathematics performance. Participants included 247 Kindergartners from 37 classrooms in 9 schools located in low-income communities. Children within classrooms were randomly assigned to receive 21 weeks of computer-assisted…

Offers examples of loss of accuracy when using digital computing devices. Discusses causes for loss of accuracy and methods of preventing loss. Presents implications that loss of accuracy has for mathematics instruction. (MDH)

Described is a classroom activity incorporating a computer spreadsheet to study number patterns generated by the Fibonacci sequence. Included are examples and suggestions for the use of the spreadsheet in other recursive relationships. (JJK)

Included are activities and guidelines which suggest ways to use large numbers in relative terms so that they can become more meaningful for elementary mathematics students. Several spreadsheet projects illustrate the incorporation of the recommendations from the NCTM Standards dealing with number sense. (JJK)

This technical report is concerned with the evaluation of three Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) Programs - The Drill-and practice Program in Elementary School Mathematics, The Brentwood Tutorial Mathematics Program, and the Russian Program. Among the results reported were (1) the drill-and-practice mathematics program used in Mississippi and…

The author presents two examples of lattice multiplication followed by a computer algorithm to perform this multiplication. The algorithm is given in psuedocode but could easily be given in Pascal. (PK)

Computing pi efficiently has been of great interest to mathematicians for centuries. This article presents an algorithm to solve this problem through skillful computer use. (PK)

Introduces the idea of using computer microworlds--interactive software for exploration of specific concepts--for mathematics education, the theme of this issue's articles. Discusses their development and the advantages of their use. Suggests that they can be successfully used for interactive teaching or for interpreting mathematics textbooks,…

Recounts a classroom experience which investigated whether any integral solutions for the law of cosines would be analogous to "Pythagorean triples." Several interesting relationships were discovered. (PK)

Discussed is the importance of incorporating calculators and computers into the primary grades. Number concepts, counting skills, place-value, basic operations, problem-solving, and higher order thinking skills can be reinforced by using calculators and computers along with manipulatives. (KR)

This combination methods and resource book is written for preservice and inservice teachers of mathematics in the elementary school. It presents a program based on the research of the learning theories of Piaget, Brownell, Deines, Skemp, and Gagne and on successful classroom practices. The 14 chapters deal with: (1) "Mathematics in the Elementary…

Presents a tiling problem designed to be solved using the microcomputer, which will give students a context upon which to build meaning for the concepts of factors, common factors, and greatest common factors. (PK)

Investigates whether elementary school students can construct operations of thought for integers and integer addition crucial for understanding elementary algebra. Two sixth graders were taught using a computer. Results included both students being able to construct mental operations for negating arbitrary integers and determining sign and…

Presents reviews of three software packages. These are "Ant Farm," a game of problem solving using guess and check or trial and error; "Learning Place Value"; and a set of three utility programs--"Mastering Math: Diagnostic System,""Mastering Math: Worksheet Generator," and "Mastering Math: Management System." (PK)