Algebra has been identified as the foundational course for all other mathematics courses. Yet, research has shown that African-American students are low achievers in all strands of mathematics (NCES, 2001). Computers, on the other hand, have been marketed as an instructional tool to teach and reinforce classroom instructions. This study…

We consider two different algebra topics that can be taught in a typical college class. With each topic, we demonstrate how a teacher can delve deeper using a computer algebra system.

Within the framework of MIT's course 1.00: Introduction to Computers and Engineering Problem Solving, this paper describes an innovative project entitled: "Studio 1.00" that integrates lectures with in-class demonstrations, active learning sessions, and on-task feedback, through the use of wireless laptop computers. This paper also describes a…

Today's K-20 students have been called, among other names, the net generation. As they matriculate through the education system, they are often exposed to materials and manipulatives used for the past 40 years, and not to the digital media to which they are accustomed. As student scores continue to regress from Grade 3 to Grade 12 and technical…

Currently, numerous on-line discussion forums have been developed for educational purposes; therefore, a better understanding about peer student discussion or discourse interactions is quite important. Through gathering peer learning interactions on 57 college computer science students, who were randomly assigned into 14 small groups for solving…

This paper concerns computer aided assessment (CAA) of mathematics in which a computer algebra system (CAS) is used to help assess students' responses to elementary algebra questions. Using a methodology of documentary analysis, we examine what is taught in elementary algebra. The STACK CAA system, http://www.stack.bham.ac.uk/, which uses the CAS…

These two issues of a newsletter address the use of computers in developing complex thinking skills. The first issue, for May 1986, includes articles on: environmental science computer applications; computers and higher order thinking in Mineola, New York; a description of case study research identifying effective uses of computers in developing…

This project endeavored to develop a high school course for use in the classroom and for use with a computer-controlled system of programed lessons. Many difficulties such as those in the display and control of figures were encountered in trying to organize and prepare the material for the computer. The conclusion reached was that the solution to…

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

It is complicated to design a computer simulation that adapts to students with different characteristics. This study documented cases that show how college students' prior chemistry knowledge level affected their interaction with peers and their approach to solving problems with the use of computer simulations that were designed to learn…

The present study focuses on the use of thinking types as a possible way to structure university students' discourse in asynchronous discussion groups and consequently promote their learning. More specifically, the aim of the study is to determine how requiring students to label their contributions by means of De Bono's (1991) thinking hats…

While problem solving is a generally accepted goal of most science courses, it has previously been difficult to determine the extent to which students' problem-solving abilities are impacted by these courses. Interactive Multi-Media Exercises (IMMEX) is a web-based software package that can deliver multiple cases of case-based problems and keep…

Collaborative concept mapping engages two or more students in coordinated and sustained efforts in the creation of one or more concept maps in order to learn and construct knowledge. It is a potentially powerful instructional strategy in that it fosters meaningful learning and group knowledge construction and helps the building of common ground…

Computer-assisted instruction systems have been broadly applied to help students solve math word problem. The majority of such systems, which are based on an instructor-initiating instruction strategy, provide pre-designed problems for the learners. When learners are asked to solve a word problem, the system will instruct the learners what to do.…