Describes the use of expert systems in elementary school classes that focused on developing thinking skills and independent learning. Expert systems as tools, tutors, and tutees are discussed; differences in learning styles are considered; problem-solving skills are addressed; and uses of expert systems in science and social studies are described.…

Discussed are the possible uses of spreadsheets in the undergraduate curriculum in chemical engineering classes. The advantages and flexibility of spreadsheets, spreadsheet instruction, graphing capabilities, assignment examples, and conclusions are described. (KR)

Argues that educational computing is a discipline and discusses issues that need to be addressed in this discipline, including similarities with experimental psychology; networks and integrated learning systems; problem-solving software versus domain-specific software; computer labs versus classroom integration; software quality; computer equity;…

Discusses the use of computer-assisted programs that allow chemical engineering students to study textbook thermodynamics problems from different perspectives, including the classical graphical method, while utilizing more than one property correlation and/or operation model so that comparisons can be made and sensitivities determined more…

Described is a solution to the problem and a discussion of a computer estimation of the probability. A computer program written in Turbo Pascal and two sample runs are provided. Computations for a more general problem of this nature and changes in the program necessary for use with Apple Pascal are appended. (CW)

Describes Camp Tech, a week-long activity that teaches junior high school students to apply technology to problem solving. Each annual Camp Tech has been organized around a different scenario, with each cabin representing world regions and minicorporations, and using technology to "Step into a Book." (DMM)

Described is a research-based instructional technique for teaching analogical reasoning by the use of guided LOGO programing activities. An example worksheet is provided illustrating the use of the Sternberg's four-step analogical reasoning technique (encode, infer, map, and apply) with LOGO programs. (Author/MDH)

Nineteen fifth and 11 sixth graders given preliminary instruction about a computer-based problem-solving game received additional problem-solving training, problem-solving and self-monitoring training, or no further training. The beneficial impact of the monitoring training is discussed as evidence of the importance of the monitoring strategy in…

A question-answering strategy for problem solving is described, and the effects of instruction in that strategy on student learning are examined in a computer-assisted context involving 46 fifth graders. The reasons students trained in guided questions performed better are discussed. (SLD)

Presents a study to determine whether computer use in guided-discovery learning episodes would enhance the problem-solving ability of secondary school students (n=147). Results indicate interaction between low- and middle-level students' mathematical achievement and treatment groups, while high-level students performed well regardless of approach.…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether learning to program a computer in Pascal or FORTRAN improved problem-solving skills of college students when compared to a control group and to determine which programing language was more effective in the development of problem-solving abilities. (26 references) (LRW)

Reviews three studies on the effects of elementary school students' collaboration within the educational computer environments of LOGO, computer-assisted instruction, and computer-based instruction. Concludes that cooperative participation within LOGO fosters effectance motivation, information exchange, and conflict resolution that reflects…

Beginning physics students (n=42) were constrained to analyze mechanics problems according to a hierarchical scheme that integrated concepts, principles, and procedures. After five one-hour sessions, students increased their reliance on the use of principles in categorizing problems according to similarity of solution and in writing qualitative…

Discusses the process of mathematical iteration, its benefits as a problem-solving technique, and how to teach it. Presents a selection of mathematical ideas and problems that can be solved and explored using iteration, along with related BASIC computer programs. (MDH)

Thirteen 8- to 10-year-old students participated in a Lego-LOGO learning environment, coupling Lego building-block activities with Logo computer programming, to evaluate whether this learning environment was conducive to metacognitive awareness and cooperation. Results suggested positive cognitive and affective outcomes, especially for the younger…