Whereas some educational designers believe that students should learn new concepts through explorative problem solving within dedicated environments that constrain key parameters of their search and then support their progressive appropriation of empowering disciplinary forms, others are critical of the ultimate efficacy of this discovery-based…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 12th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2015), October 24-26, 2015, which has been organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS), co-organized by Maynooth University, Ireland, and endorsed by the…

A WebQuest is an inquiry-based lesson plan that uses the Internet. This article explains what a WebQuest is, shows how to create one, and provides an example. When engaged in a WebQuest, students use technology to experience cooperative learning and discovery learning while honing their research, writing, and presentation skills. It has been found…

Originally marketed as a personal organizer for mobile business executives and ardent technophiles, the handheld computer is beginning to catch educators' notice. A handful of school districts are piloting large-scale use of these portable devices, ranging in price from $149 to $450. (MLH)

Urges teachers of gifted students to allow students unstructured recreational computer time in the classroom to encourage student exploration and discovery, to promote creativity, to develop problem-solving skills, and to allow time to revisit programs and complete their own tasks. Different types of educational computer programs are referenced.…

Uses of Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) are often limited purely to a verifying role. Presents a case study that emerged from a project in which DGS formed an integral part of the pedagogical arrangement. The study demonstrates how the contrasting power of DGS might be utilized in a guided discovery setting. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/ASK)

Input from constructivist scholars and science teachers helps develop future biologists and biology teachers who better understand scientific investigation through their development and use of investigative software, as well as through laboratory and field activities. (SM)

Proposes the use of conceptualization, exploration, and higher-level problem solving in differential equations courses as a replacement for some of the traditional material that can now be delegated to the computer. (MKR)

Computer algebra methods based on results of commutative algebra like Groebner bases of ideals and elimination of variables make it possible to solve complex, elementary and non elementary problems of geometry, which are difficult to solve using a classical approach. Computer algebra methods permit the proof of geometric theorems, automatic…

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

A study in which Logo programming was used to teach problem-solving skills to fourth to eighth grade students is described. The results, and their implications for further use of the computer to teach higher order thinking skills, are discussed. The possible use of Prolog programming to teach reasoning skills is described. (JL)

This book introduces third through sixth grade teachers to problem-based learning (PBL), a system for classroom instruction and curriculum development. It combines the PBL system with practice in locating, evaluating, and thinking about information from the Internet. It provides 8 PBL units for use in the classroom, offering instructions for…

Presents activities which highlight major concepts of linear programming. Demonstrates how technology allows students to solve linear programming problems using exploration prior to learning algorithmic methods. (DDR)

Discusses possible approaches to solving the problem of how many different triangles can be formed on an n x n geoboard and the different geometric concepts utilized to formulate a solution. Approaches include counting strategies, writing a computer program, and using difference equations. (MDH)

States the objectives and implementation procedures for this teacher-directed or individualized learning discovery unit. Describes the value of the program and additional activities that can be included. Shows a copy of the program. (RT)