The use and effectiveness of gaming techniques in educational computer software was investigated through an analysis of 170 in-depth evaluations of commercially-available educational computer programs. These evaluations, conducted by the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute, dealt with design attributes relevant to all…

The development and use of an activity that uses the computer's unique capabilities to provide students with a relevant and highly motivating experience with the graphing of equations is outlined. The activity, called "Green Globs," illustrates the potential of developing new environments for learning on computers. (MP)

The author analyzes what children find so compelling about video games and suggests that computer software can be made, based along these lines, to be both compelling and educational. (JMK)

Exploration of concepts crucial to development of new computer-based learning environments focuses on process rather than product and the computer's ability to record, represent, and communicate the underlying process. Cognitive, pedagogical, and sociological issues relevant to creation of learning environments in five domains (empowering…