Answers to problems (in Applesoft Basic) in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented, corresponding to elementary/junior/senior levels. Problems require good control of programing language, ability to solve problems, and implementing a problem-solving strategy within a computer language. Problem types include words,…

Because previous research by Bayman and Mayer (1983) suggests that individuals who attempt to learn their first computer language develop a variety of misconceptions of the meanings of individual programming statements, this study investigated whether it is possible to enhance beginning programmers' understanding of the programming statements…

A course in computer programing is being developed as a vehicle for research in tutorial modes of computer-assisted instruction. Methods for monitoring and aiding the student as he works on interesting programing problems are employed. The problems are individually selected via an optimization scheme based on a model of the student's ability and…

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

Describes a preliminary investigation in which students were taught BASIC programing using deliberately bugged programs, with program descriptions and photographs of screen as it should look if programs were running correctly. Includes educational issues involved, constraints of the investigation, sample programs, subjective/statistical analyses,…

A teaching strategy for problem solving with computers is detailed. The approach provides a "midline" level of help that encourages exploratory activity yet provides enough guidance to increase chances of pupil success. (MP)

LISP LOGO is a computer language invented for the beginning student of man-machine interaction. The language has the advantages of simplicity and naturalness as well as that of emphasizing the difference between programs and data. The language is based on the LOGO language and uses mnemonic syllables as commands. It can be used in conjunction with…

Offers such teaching activities as a one-line program contest, field trips, examining job openings in newspapers, and a writing activity speculating what would happen if robots did not follow Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Includes "Logo Goes to High School" by E. Paul Goldenberg, discussing problem-solving tasks…

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

A program was developed to use the PLATO IV system of the University of Illinois to help students solve typical programing problems. The program tries to approximate a near-ideal situation in which each student receives correction of logical errors and comments on good programing practice as he goes along in a one-on-one tutorial environment. The…

LOGO (a computer language) is designed to provide an environment in which learners determine a problem to solve, make choices, experiment, try out solutions, and build on what they already know. Student activities using LOGO and the teacher's role in a LOGO classroom are discussed. (JN)

Reviews an educationally valuable and reasonably well-designed simulation of volcanic activity in an imaginary land. VOLCANOES creates an excellent context for learning information about volcanoes and for developing skills and practicing methods needed to study behavior of volcanoes. (Author/JN)

A program written in PASCAL designed to find the number of binary trees possible for a given number of nodes is presented. The problem was found to be highly motivating and exciting for the group of introductory computer science students with whom it was used. (MP)

The problems used in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented. There are three groups of five problems, which corresponded to Elementary, Junior, and Senior contest sets. The contest questions are seen as interesting for individual study, and potentially useful to teachers of computer programing. (MP)