We examine teachers' classroom activities with the spreadsheet, focusing especially on episodes marked by improvisation and uncertainty. The framework is based on Saxe's cultural approach to cognitive development. The study considers two teachers, one positively disposed towards classroom use of technology, and the other not, both of them…

Provides a qualitative description of what happened to 10th grade students' attitudes and cognitive development when learning algebra using Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). Chronicles the frustrations, changes in attitude, motivation, determination, and improvements in cognitive development of algebraic concepts over the course of the six-week…

Compares expert-/novice-based problem-solving behaviors with a Geographic Information Systems program. Uses naturalistic methods to analyze problem-solving strategies for occurrence of thematic elements. Reports that experts relied on logical formulations to query the database while novices used trial-and-error methods and midlevel cognitive…

Properties of information most likely to attract student attention and how students use information they generate are clarified. Students' expectations of empirical information in geometry and the design of a new version of the Geometric Supposer are discussed. (CW)

Reviews two software programs for Apple series computers. Includes "Orbital Mech," a basic planetary orbital simulation for the Macintosh, and "START: Stimulus and Response Tools for Experiments in Memory, Learning, Cognition, and Perception," a program that demonstrates basic psychological principles and experiments. (CW)

With the purpose of addressing the area of language choice in computer programming, this paper specifically addresses the use of BASIC as a language for secondary level students. Perspectives are offered on: (1) the role of computers in science education; (2) the differences in quality and intent of PASCAL and BASIC; (3) the role of a…

Discusses the use of a microcomputer in the assessment of middle school pupils in science classes. Describes experimental details, the computer program, test procedures, and results. Concluded that pupils benefit from the immediate feedback provided by computer assessment compared to traditional methods. (CW)

Presents a study that investigates the knowledge and skills that relate to computer programing. Finds that knowledge and procedural skills are related to computer programing. Recommends that since instruction in computer programing facilitates problem-solving, computer programing courses should be augmented to include teaching template and…

Problem solving is defined and characteristics of good problem solvers are highlighted. The cognitive processes used in problem solving are discussed. Suggestions for methods which can be used to teach problem solving are provided. Research implications from mathematics education are listed. (CW)

Evaluates the attributes of a microcomputer software package as a supplement to chemistry instruction. Reports higher scores among the students in a control group. Discovers no significant interaction between treatment and development stage. Discusses several implications for further research. Provides the General Chemistry Test and error analysis…

Discussed is the use of a program called MathCAD which allows students to solve higher order polynomial equations and geometry problems. The use of cooperative learning is emphasized. Included are graphs and part of a printout generated while solving problems with MathCAD. (KR)

Three learning activities--story generation, reasoning from historical information, and computer modeling--that are designed to help students move toward a more coherent understanding of biological mechanisms are described. A method used to measure a student's level of understanding and their progress during instruction is also described. Ways to…

This study explored how one eighth grade girl learned about the structure of recursive programs in BOXER programing language. The method of impasse resolution was presented in detail and used both to understand how she constructed her understanding and as an empirical method to analyze her learning. (MDH)

Describes mechanisms of thought associated with making predictions. Concludes that successful predictors had high initial knowledge of the subject matter and were formally operational. Unsuccessful predictors had low initial knowledge and were concretely operational. Systematic manipulation, note taking, and higher-level thinking skills were…

Discusses concerns for mathematics education research on algebra and requestions methods that focus on the Piagetian concept of cognitive obstacles. Suggests the use of computer-based environments to develop the concept of variable and offers research findings indicating that experiences working with variables in LOGO influences student…