Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

A personal experience is described concerning problem solving that incorporates the computer to help generate multiple examples of proposed conjectures as solutions. The positive potential of technology to allow students of mathematics to experience the process of discovering mathematics through conjecture and generalization is emphasized. (MDH)

Discusses computer-based training (CBT) methods that emphasize an interactive learning environment but do not require video. Topics addressed include cognitive processes; different levels of interaction, including simulation or problem solving; the use of icons and buttons; hypertext; differences in learning styles; and thought-provoking…

Describes a project where computer-assisted graphical data analyses were introduced to inner-city high school students with weak math and science backgrounds. Provides examples of performance of students on open-ended problem-solving tasks. (PR)

Examined effects of student temperament, instructional method (computer versus teacher), and interaction between 2 on observed off-task behavior and problem-solving performance among 78 kindergarten students. Found that students with highest Task Orientation exhibited almost no off-task behaviors with either method, whereas students with lowest…

Develops properties of tasks that are pedagogically efficient and allow students to discover mathematical concepts for themselves. Illustrates the structure and philosophy of powerful tasks for the concept of angle. Presents seven examples of powerful tasks, including two involving two-dimensional graphic systems. (Contains 39 references.)…

Discusses the main features of hypermedia and its significance in the application to education. Highlights include multimedia teaching materials; interaction; convenience in storing and using information; problem solving and critical thinking; individuality in study; and the design of nodes and links in hypermedia. (Author/LRW)

Undergraduate students used an intelligent collaborative learning system with the Jigsaw method of cooperative learning, and were monitored by the group leader as they developed algorithmic projects. The system components and operation are described. Students thought that the system, although slow, was easy to use and useful for collaborative…

Reports the results of research on effects of detailed feedback on problem solving within a computer-based simulation. Participants were 54 undergraduate students. Results indicated highest performance was associated with feedback based on an expert model supplemented with provided textual commentary, suggesting that under some circumstances…

Discusses using a computer spreadsheet's graphing capabilities to assist grade 8-12 algebra students to see equations and their solutions in new ways. Describes and illustrates the solution of two equations and an inequality using ClarisWorks, or Microsoft Excel or Works spreadsheet. Discusses "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School…

The design of technology tools has the potential to dramatically influence how students interact with tools, and these interactions, in turn, may influence students' mathematical problem solving. To better understand these interactions, we analyzed eighth grade students' problem solving as they used a java applet designed to specifically accompany…

The "I CAN Learn[R] Mathematics Curriculum" is designed to help ethnically diverse, inner-city students in grades 7 through 10 achieve parity in mathematics and problem-solving skills. It uses an interactive software program to teach pre-algebra and algebra. The "I CAN Learn[R] Algebra 1" course, which was used in all of the…

This study was designed to test preschoolers' thinking about strategies and the relationship between strategy selection and performance through the use of computer-presented puzzle tasks. A total of 61 children between the ages of 3 and 5 years were observed to see whether they used trial and error, model consultation, or a mixed strategy to solve…

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to the use of computers across a wide age range. Extensive use is made of photographs, illustrations, cartoons, and samples of children's work to demonstrate the versatility of computer use in schools. An introduction by Rob Crompton placing computer use within the educational context of the United…

The eight papers presented in this monograph are a result of the Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Research Workshop that was held in conjunction with the 1990 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). The intent of the workshop was to provide a unique forum for researchers to share ideas in a special area of educational computing. The…