Presents a review of literature on programing in Logo, including prerequisites of programing, cognitive effects of programing, stages of programing, and levels of programing expertise. An analysis of the literature establishes the need for operationalizing problem solving with Logo, and a research strategy to meet this need is suggested. (32…

Introduces a method for gathering process information related to computer simulations and examines changes in learners' responses as a means of understanding the kind of learning that occurs within the simulations. Data gathered from 87 undergraduate education majors using simulations that teach the application of behavior analysis procedures for…

Pretests measuring problem-solving ability were administered to 71 students in a high school mathematics class. One group was given computer-augmented instruction; the other group was given instruction augmented by mathematics laboratory activities. Posttest results for problem-solving ability were mixed, but the group receiving computer-augmented…

Considers three main components of self-directed learning: (1) topic knowledge; (2) procedural skills; and (3) self-monitoring. The role of computer-assisted instruction in autonomous learning is discussed, software that fosters independent problem solving is reviewed, and it is recommended that computers be incorporated in courses emphasizing…

Discusses the use of microcomputer applications software in education, reviews the literature involving studies on the development of problem-solving skills and on the instructional use of spreadsheets, and describes a project for secondary school students using spreadsheets that provides cognitive support. (Contains 35 references.) (LRW)

This literature review examines the contribution of the LOGO programming language toward facilitating elementary school students' learning and in promoting problem-solving skills. Topics addressed include positive and negative effects of LOGO use; LOGO theory and development; transfer of LOGO skills; and support for structured, teacher-mediated…

Describes a study that investigated the activities of engineering students working on a collaborative design project in a distributed multimedia environment. Topics discussed include learning as a social process; face-to-face and video communication; problem-solving techniques; use of interactive media; the construction of knowledge; and group…

Describes a study of 120 second-grade and fourth-grade students that explored a self-regulatory approach to problem solving by providing pairs of students with the IDEA model to identify, define, explore, and assess progress in solving computer problems. The use of student journals, classroom debriefings, and observations are discussed. (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether learning to program a computer in Pascal or FORTRAN improved problem-solving skills of college students when compared to a control group and to determine which programing language was more effective in the development of problem-solving abilities. (26 references) (LRW)

Describes the development of the Mentor Teacher Model that trained middle school and high school mathematics teachers in New Jersey as mentor teachers in the effective use of computer-based technologies for teaching mathematics. Highlights include student-centered teaching methods; cooperative learning; problem-solving activities; and technology…

Describes a study of graduate students that investigated whether a lengthened HyperCard stack treatment could promote problem-solving ability and reduce computer anxiety. The study was based on previous research that compared BASIC programming with HyperCard. Highlights include authoring languages and the effect of different instructional formats…

Discusses the positive transfer of computer-related skills to new computer tasks and reviews transfer-related literature to provide recommendations to facilitate better transfer of students' skills from introductory computer classes to future needs. Topics addressed include course goals, user interfaces, problem solving, and software. (Contains 60…

A study of 38 K-12 teachers at the 1996 summer institute of the Northern California Mathematics Project suggested that a learning environment incorporating technology, facilities for sharing computer solutions, and development of skills with software can foster effective and spontaneous learner-initiated use of technology for mathematical…

Describes two experiments, one with undergraduates and one with high school students, that tested instructional strategies for teaching computer programing. The cognitive styles of impulsivity and reflection are examined, completion strategy versus generation strategy is tested, and results support a preferential model rather than a compensatory…

Reports on a study of the influence of problem-solving computer software on the attitudes of secondary school students toward mathematics while using computer-assisted instruction. Student performance on pretests and posttests are compared, gender differences are discussed, and implications for mathematics instruction are suggested. (10…