Provides background material on logic programing and presents PROLOG as a high-level artificial intelligence programing language that borrows its basic constructs from logic. Suggests the language is one which will help the educator to achieve various goals, particularly the promotion of problem solving ability. (MVL)

This pilot study tested the hypothesis that the logical thinking skills of middle-grades students are enhanced by teaching them computer programming using the BASIC programming language. A quasi-experimental design was used with 36 students randomly selected and assigned to one of two treatment groups: 18 students received no instruction in…

The nature of thinking is the subject of this second part in a series which is examining various topics and issues related to the controversy of whether or not computers can think. Suggests that intelligence is the ability to develop general ideas and not the ability to apply those ideas. (JN)

The educational value of courses in computer programing must be judged by sound curriculum criteria: they should fit a logical sequence of K-12 learning objectives, expose students to future career opportunities, and teach students reasoning skills. (TE)

Discusses various aspects of artificial intelligence, focusing on three interrelated issues: (1) representation of knowledge, which is roughly the machine equivalent of human memory; (2) control and use of knowledge, which corresponds to human abilities in problem solving and planning; and (3) the acquisition of knowledge, or what humans call…

Describes kinds of results achieved by computer programs in artificial intelligence. Topics discussed include heuristic searches, artificial intelligence/psychology, planning program, backward chaining, learning (focusing on Winograd's blocks to explore learning strategies), concept learning, constraint propagation, language understanding…

Fifteen third-grade students learned LOGO during the school year. The group who received one hour per week of individual computer time (separate from in-class instruction) did significantly better on a conditional rule-learning task than did students who received one-half hour per week of individual computer time. (GC)

Describes some commands, simple programing procedures, and applications of the programing language LOGO, including its powerful recursive feature and its value in teaching problem solving. A listing of LOGO graphics packages includes details of software and print materials, prices, and microcomputers that will support the packages. (EAO)

Discusses programs to provide a knowledge base and use the knowledge in a mode of artificial intelligence. Indicates that two methods of database storage are possible and opts to use a method using many data files while using a small RAM capacity. Lists several programs. (MVL)

Discusses the claims that experiences in computer programming enhance performance on conditional reasoning tasks. Describes three experimental studies designed to address that hypothesis using three different populations of students. Results of all three studies indicate nonsignificant treatment effects. (TW)