A theoretical learning model for educationally oriented recreation settings shows how cognitive outcomes are encouraged from interactive devices when a high level of perceived control is found. In contrast, when interactive devices allow minimum levels of perceived control, visitors gain pleasure but often miss the intent of the message. (LZ)

An after-school computer club was developed in which language-minority children learned to master a series of educational computer games through reading instructions, interacting with peers, and interacting with adult mentors. Results show how an informal educational environment can foster generalizable problem-solving skills that transfer to…