These two issues of a newsletter address the use of computers in developing complex thinking skills. The first issue, for May 1986, includes articles on: environmental science computer applications; computers and higher order thinking in Mineola, New York; a description of case study research identifying effective uses of computers in developing…

This paper presents a perspective of the current state of technology-assisted instruction integrating computer language, artificial intelligence (AI), and a review of cognitive science applied to instruction. The following topics are briefly discussed: (1) the language of instructional technology, i.e., programming languages, including authoring…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system (ECHO) which permits greater access to student thought processes. Initial piloting indicates that self-reports can be unobtrusively solicited from students during ongoing instruction. Research background, data collection approaches, and a description of the ECHO system are given. (MER)

In Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois a group of schools has united together to form the Beloit Educational Computing Consortium (BECC). A recent survey of selected teachers in BECC schools indicated that even though the schools do not consciously set out to teach creativity via computers, substantial creative behavior is demonstrated by the…

Expert systems, rule-based knowledge systems, have been widely heralded as an important tool in management and accounting. Expert system shells have become available for personal computers, and accountants are investing in systems which are supposed to be capable of intelligent decisions. The limitations of rule-based knowledge systems are…

As computers are acquired in greater numbers in schools, their impact on the social organization of instruction increasingly becomes an issue for research. Developments in the cognitive science of instruction, drawing on sociohistorical theory, provide researchers with an appropriate theoretical approach to cultural tools and cognitive change,…

The instructional computer program LOGO enables children to construct their own programs. This article presents an evaluation of LOGO and use of computers in education. The author discusses reasons why computer science belongs in high school rather than elementary school. (DF)

The report discusses a program incorporating cognitive therapy with microcomputer technology for head injured students. The goals of cognitive rehabilitation are introduced, the nature and extent of the head injury problem analyzed, and social, emotional, and educational considerations of adolescent head injury illustrated through a case study.…

Examines the effects of text elaboration and imagery on student comprehension in a computer-assisted poetry assignment designed to teach the concept of "mood." Concludes that the computer neither hindered nor elevated comprehension. (EL)

Discusses the development of expert system shells and the use of expert systems as instructional tools, and describes a program which required junior high school students using Macintosh computers to create a knowledge base on topics of their choice. Benefits of such student-created expert systems are discussed. (LRW)

This discussion of authoring systems focuses on modes of computer-assisted learning delivery and criteria for their selection. Topics discussed include industry's use of authoring systems, a systems approach to designing courseware, media selection, learning strategies, instructional events that comprise learning situations, and cognitive…

Discusses how computers can "converse" with students for teaching purposes, demonstrates how these interactions are becoming more complex, and explains how the computer's role is becoming more "human" in giving intelligent responses to students. (HOD)

This 2-year longitudinal study explored whether computers promote more sophisticated thinking, and examined how students' thinking changes as they become experienced computer users. The first-year study examined the thinking process of four ninth-grade Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) students. The second-year study continued following these…

A computer program written for the Apple II was designed to teach college students how to map expository information. The program consists of five lessons, the first beginning with a definition and illustration of mapping. In this introductory lesson, students are asked to answer three basic questions when reading expository text: identify the…

Discusses the logical and psychological significance of video games, microcomputer prose adventures, and computer programing. Explores the implications of these for teachers as humanists. (HTH)