This article distills a discussion about the goals, mechanisms, and effects of three environments which aim to support the acquisition and development of computing concepts (problem solving and programming) in pre-University and non-technical students: Alice, Greenfoot, and Scratch. The conversation started in a special session on the topic at the…

Explores the potential for using Intelligent Educational Systems (IES) for anchoring instruction in macro contexts in science education. Topics include anchored instruction; situated cognition; problem solving; cognitivism; interactive video environments; and examples of combining IES and anchored instruction. (LRW)

Surveys some of the intelligent computer assisted instruction programs that have been authored and differentiates them from traditional computer assisted instruction. (Author)

Since LOGO was introduced at a 1981 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference, this computer language has spread through the schools and spawned Young People's LOGO Association groups throughout the United States and Canada. Teaching LOGO like other languages might alienate youngsters already at home with computer technology. (MLH)

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Discusses the transfer of problem-solving skills from computer programing to other areas of learning. Logo programing is discussed, levels of programing ability are described, attributes of microworlds are presented, and implications of the growing use of computers in the classroom for educational planning are suggested. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes an expert system that can be used to teach reading skills in a foreign language with computer-assisted learning. Augmented transition networks (ATN), used as parsers, are explained; steps in teaching foreign languages are discussed; and reading in a foreign language as a type of problem-solving activity is considered. (10 references)…

Describes the application of case analysis to a learner-centered microcomputer-based instructional model. Topics discussed include the use of computer-based case analysis with adult students; case planning; and two sample cases, one a decision-making model and one a technical model. (21 references) (LRW)

Discussion of computer programming and knowledge-based instruction focuses on three studies of elementary and secondary school students which show that five particular problem-solving strategies can be developed in students explicitly taught the strategies and given practice applying them to solve LOGO programming problems. (Contains 53…

In earlier times, practically everything was taught by apprenticeships. Schools are a recent invention that use many fewer teaching resources, but the computer enables us to go back to the resource-intensive mode of education, in a form called cognitive apprenticeship. This involves the use of modeling, coaching, reflecting on performance, and…

Critically evaluates the assumption that microcomputer-based instruction can be used to teach generalizable thinking and problem solving skills. Transference of problem solving skills across domains is discussed, and strategies to promote problem solving abilities are examined, including computer assisted instruction and learning programing…

Explains the three main concepts of the system dynamics approach to model building (dynamics, feedback, and systems) and the basic steps to problem solving by simulation applicable to all educational levels. Some DYNAMO commands are briefly described. (EAO)

Artificial intelligence, or the study of ideas that enable computers to be intelligent, is discussed in terms of what it is, what it has done, what it can do, and how it may affect the teaching of tomorrow. An extensive overview of artificial intelligence examines its goals and applications and types of artificial intelligence including (1) expert…

Arguments for and against the use of computers in mathematics classes have centered on whether students benefit from or are merely hindered by practicing computational skills. This paper claims that the true essence of mathematics lies not in computation, basically a mechanical operation, but in problem-solving. Since no amount of computational…

Given the uncertainty of the future and the rapidity with which computer technology is changing, a generalist position on the objectives of educational computing is desirable. This position insists that learning how to think and solve problems is the foundation of education and suggests that basic learning needs to be an integral part of the…