Studied keyboard activities and discussions of 60 children working in pairs or 21 children working as individuals on a computer-based language problem-solving task. Boy-girl pairs showed lower levels of verbal interaction and less keyboard cooperation, but few differences in task performance in comparison with single gender pairs. Children working…

Single- or mixed-gender pairs of elementary children were told either to work cooperatively on a computer-based language task or be assessed individually. Performance measures indicated a disadvantage for mixed pairs, improved performance for cooperative pairs. Girls tended to cooperate regardless of being told to or not; mixed pairs cooperated…

Studied gender and social comparison effects in computer-based problem solving in studies involving 62 11- and 12-year-olds working in pairs on computers without verbal interaction (co-action) and 96 children working in co-action or interaction pairs. Polarization of sex differences was found in the co-action condition but not the interaction…

Children ages 9-10 (n=30) were given social skills training and their scores on computer tasks were compared with 30 controls. Males scored highest on the pre and posttest. Females in mixed-sex groups scored better than females in girls-only groups. Girls who received social skills training had the highest rate of improvement. (SK)

Discussion of task motivation focuses on study that investigated the choice behavior of college students within a computer problem solving task as they controlled and selected problem difficulty levels which maximized either intrinsic interest or extrinsic reward. Sex differences are examined, and treatment for experimental and control groups is…

This report presents the results of a study conducted to determine if the use of a microcomputer increases the problem solving ability of junior high school students. Two seventh grade classes from similar schools in the state of Virginia were selected for the study. The first group was exposed to introductory computer literacy skills and simple…

Describes two studies researching whether computer use led to changes in student's problem-solving skills; "a help facility" assisted with students' acquisition of strategy to solve problems; and an "intrinsic orientation" of pupils influenced their behavior on computer problem-solving task. Results showed intrinsic…

Reports the results of a study of 65 United Kingdom primary school children that examined the effect of software type by comparing children's performance on a male stereotyped version of the software with a female stereotyped version. Topics include computer attitudes, computer experience, and software preferences. (Author/LRW)

Nine articles discuss research on cooperative learning with computers and how student interactions at the computer facilitate learning. Current research on cooperative learning methods and computer-assisted learning; and microcomputer-based group problem solving, social-cognitive behaviors, higher order thinking, interdependence, autonomy,…

Whether gender differences in performance using computer software are due to sex stereotyping or gender differentiation in the programs was investigated in two studies. An adventure game, "King and Crown," with all male characters, and a gender neutral game, "Honeybears," were played by 26 female and 26 male 11- and…

Describes four research studies that deal with students and computers. Three are programing studies that examine the effects of computer programing on problem solving and other cognitive skills of students in grades four through eight; the fourth study analyzes characteristics of students who entered a programing competition. (LRW)

Twelve research reports related to mathematics education are abstracted and analyzed. Three of the reports deal with aspects of learning theory, three with topics in mathematics instruction (fractions, problem solving, and application orientation), two with aspects of computer assisted instruction, and one each with advanced placement,…

Examines the dialog of 82 secondary school students in Glasgow (Scotland) (13 male, 12 female, and 16 mixed-sex pairs) working in pairs on a computer-presented task to determine gender differences in expression of opinion. Implications of the differences between genders in interaction style and manner of progress through the task are discussed.…

Describes a study of fifth- and sixth-grade students that investigated the patterns of peer interaction among students working cooperatively in small groups on a computer-based problem-solving task and the effects of gender and group composition on peer interaction. Suggestions for future research are included. (Contains 86 references.) (LRW)

Describes a mobile computer lab set up in a converted bus that is used by fourth graders as part of the math curriculum. The program, which emphasizes problem solving and spatial visualization, also addresses gender differences and in-service teacher training. The physical arrangements, including provisions for computer security, are described.…