The general background of this study is an interest in how digital tools contribute to structuring learning activities. The specific interest is to explore how such tools co-determine students' reasoning when solving word problems in mathematics, and what kind of learning that follows. Theoretically the research takes its point of departure in a…

The paper reports observations from a 2-year investigation of teaching/learning processes as they occurred during microcomputer instruction in three special education schools. Factors in the learner and/or learning environment are analyzed for their effects on the development of problem solving strategies. Part 1 reports observations of behavior…

Computers can create an atmosphere of success for children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Appropriate software can help to encourage creative and imaginative ideas with judgment temporarily suspended. Software which may be useful in this attempt is reviewed, and three suggestions are made for parents and teachers: (1) assemble existing…

Four- and 5-year-olds' understanding of basic turtle graphics commands was examined before and after a hands-on, interactive problem-solving experience. Children (n=32) saw display screen events consisting of an initial turtle state, a command transformation, and the resulting turtle state. They were asked to give the command executed in each…

This study investigated the effects of mental ability level on problem solving behavior of individuals and dyads. The problem (riddle of the death of the Wooly Mammoth) is open ended, data rich and presented by computer. Significant interactions between grouping (individual and dyad) and ability (above average, above + below average and below…

A study on the transportability of computer courseware was presented to the Association for the Development of Computer-based Instructional Systems (ADCIS) at their August 1974 meeting. This study addressed the area of minor incompatibility that can cause transportability of customized Coursewriter software at individual sites to become difficult.…

SIBE (Sequential In-Basket Exercise) is a computer-assisted program to provide library science students with decision-making experience via simulated library administration problems. An initial problem is presented on-line by a teletype; it is followed by two derived problems, dependent on the student's initial response selected from five action…

A computer-assisted instructional package designed to teach both specific series-solving skills and general problem-solving skills was run in a school environment for one year. Students had access to the program during their free time. This paper analyzes the progress made by one student in both series solving and general problem solving during…

Since LOGO was introduced at a 1981 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference, this computer language has spread through the schools and spawned Young People's LOGO Association groups throughout the United States and Canada. Teaching LOGO like other languages might alienate youngsters already at home with computer technology. (MLH)

The article examines the history of computer assisted instruction (CAI), compares the beginnings of television with the beginnings of microcomputers, and examines the components of CAI (drill and practice, tutoring, instructional games, simulation, problem solving, demonstration, and mini-programs). Issues such as compatability and effects on…

Outlines a problem-solving method for beginning chemistry students that utilizes specific, concrete steps as well as computer-assisted tutorials. The method involves an approach referred to as the Factor-Unit Method coupled with a graphical "road map" which allows students to trace problems from start to finish. (JN)

Describes a study which investigated the feasibility of different controlling structures in programing languages (e.g., GOTO vs IF THEN ELSE) in the process of learning to construct algorithms and the effects of cognitive style on the learning process. A 10-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Problem solving performance of individuals was compared with that of dyads at three levels of mental ability using a computer-based inquiry into the riddle of the frozen Wooly Mammoth. Results indicated significant interactions between grouping and mental ability for certain problem solving internal measures. (RAO)

Described is "Genisys," an instructional program that teaches remedial and mildly handicapped students how to solve complex earth science problems. The program combines a 35-lesson videodisc course with a computer program which uses multiple rules for giving feedback, recycling missed exercises, and diagnosing underlying deficits in…