Explains flexible cognition theory and the use of hypertext to encourage multiple representations. Describes a prototypical hypertext/multimedia computer program using flexible cognition to help learners apply principles, interpret relationships, state inferences, test hypotheses, and formulate conclusions. (SK)

Described is a situation where students are allowed to enlist the aid of a computer graphing program to produce graphs for their lab reports. (KR)

Reviewed are the issues of planning, student preparation, exam scheduling, student verification, and software security. Discussed are the effects on student scores of exam scheduling and of students' familiarity with computers, student evaluations of the exam, and security and technical difficulties. (Author)

Summarizes studies postulating that advanced materials taught in multiple, nonlinear, and situationally dependent ways result in learning that encourages transfer and more agile use of data. Illustrates how microcomputer technology can be used to provide learning opportunities that are consistent with these goals. (JOW)

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…

Traditionally, novice programmers have had difficulties in three distinct areas: breaking down a given problem, designing a workable solution, and debugging the resulting program. Many programming environments, software applications, and teaching tools have been developed to address the difficulties faced by these novices. Along with advancements…

The benefits of visualizing mathematics by using technology such as TI-92+ and mathematically oriented software (DERIVE 5 and CABRI II) are indisputable. On the basis of some examples we would like to show that visualizing techniques can help students to analyse certain mathematical problems better and give them strong support in finding formal…

For this study, we examined the cogency, comprehensiveness, and viability of team-based problem solutions of a Web-based hypermedia case designed to promote student understanding of the practice of instructional design. Participants were 14 students enrolled in a graduate course on advanced instructional design. The case was presented to students…

The students of a Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving class investigate and explore the mathematics involved in fitting a box spring mattress up a stairwell by solving various optimization problems and by using The Geometer's Sketchpad. The results show that a very small fraction of the class was actually able to solve the problem without…

This paper discusses a computerized learning environment called TurtleGraph that is designed and developed to support collaborative problem solving. Within the learning environment, learners are requested to write computer programs to generate geometric figures. The instructional focus of the system is to enhance the learner's List Processor…

This collection contains three papers addressing the instructional aspects of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS): (1) "Some Experiences with Two Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Teaching Computer Programming: Proust and the LISP-Tutor" (van den Berg, Merrienboer, and Maaswinkel); (2) "Some Issues on the Construction of Cooperative…

Assessments were made of the impact of various overt response modes on the problem-solving process. The Luchins Water Jar Problems were presented to undergraduate university students via interactive cathode ray tube computer terminals under four response mode conditions: Mnemonic Code, Multiple Choice (MC), Numerical List, and Constructed Response…

TORTIS is a system of special terminals together with software which is designed to provide programming capability and be accessible for use by very young children. The system is designed to add capabilities in small increments so that the child is never overwhelmed by too much to learn at one time, and maintains a feeling of control over the…