Examines problem-solving in selected software, considering what packages really teach and how useful they are in classrooms. Includes a table listing 21 packages with information in such categories as: suggested ages; solving standard logic puzzles; trial/error or predicting outcomes; breaking tasks into smaller parts; drawing conclusions; and…

A computer program has been developed in which students explore problems, invent solutions, and search for supporting data. The nine units of "Historian" are each built around a major historical problem or question related to United States history. The structure of the program and its use by students are described. (JN)

Suggestions for five activities are presented. They include: ideas for several student problem-solving projects; preparing a flowsheet and program for 10 coin and dice games; using word processor formatting commands to create word designs; creating sounds; and writing a program to print out sums indefinitely. (JN)

Offers such teaching activities as a one-line program contest, field trips, examining job openings in newspapers, and a writing activity speculating what would happen if robots did not follow Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Includes "Logo Goes to High School" by E. Paul Goldenberg, discussing problem-solving tasks…

Discusses two computer programs ("Billiard Ball" and "Taxman") that foster the development of higher-level thinking skills in children. Indicates that children develop such skills as planning ahead, analyzing, and using models/diagrams in the first program. Includes list of 26 programs with price, source, hardware needed, and…

Four computer programs are reviewed. Programs emphasize problem solving in science, visual and spatial thinking, word processing, and health awareness. Hardware requirements, recommended grade levels, manufacturer, purchase agreement, and current price are included. (JN)

Seymour Papert, creator of LOGO, explains how he came to create this important problem-solving language and how he intended it to be used to foster learning among children. What children can do with turtle geometry (indicated to be a natural approach to mathematics) is one topic considered. (Author/JN)

Discusses the top eight educational software titles of the year plus 35 additional programs. Topics include math/problem solving, language arts, science, social studies, classroom management/teacher tools, creative arts, and new versions of older software. (MVL)

Reports on how experts in special education approach the problem of software selection. Offers guidance in examining if the software is modifiable and if it offers record-keeping options. Also contains a listing of sample programs that are suitable for special education students in language arts, mathematics, and problem solving. (ML)

Discusses a computer program requiring students to find an object on a grid by using location coordinates. The program, which provides a wide range of problem-solving activities, is a highly motivating approach to hands-on metric measurement, rounding off numbers, and plotting points on Cartesian coordinate systems. Includes complete program…

Evaluates reading/language arts, mathematics, general problem-solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, computer literacy, and audio-visual author software. Also lists and describes criteria used in the evaluation. (Equipment specifications and sources of software are included.) (JN)

Reviews three software programs: (1) "Microsoft Works 2.0": word processing, data processing, and telecommunications, grades 7 and up; (2) "AppleWorks GS": word processor, database, spreadsheet, graphics, and telecommunications, grades 3-12, Apple IIGS; (3) "Choices, Choices: On the Playground, Taking Responsibility":…

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Contains seven computer based ideas on topics such as computerized banking, database management, trigonometry applications, timing programs, keyboard use, and programming…

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Includes seven computer-based activities on topics such as map-making, word games, database logic, concatenation, and one-line programs. (ML)

Reviewed are 41 software packages. Many topic areas are covered. A brief synopsis, grade levels, hardware requirements, and approximate cost are included. A list of 23 software producers is included. (CW)