We describe an initiative under way at Warwick to provide a technical foundation for computer aided learning and computer-assisted assessment tools, which allows a rich dialogue sensitive to individual students' response patterns. The system distinguishes between dialogues for individual problems and the linking of problems. This enables a subject…

This textbook covering the basic techniques of systems analysis targeted to the librarian or information professional contains the following chapters: (1) Understanding Systems Analysis; (2) The Historical Development of Systems Analysis; (3) The Human Element; (4) Identifying and Defining Problems; (5) Collecting Data; (6) Analyzing and…

Presents the PETAL (Programming Environment Tool) learning environment, and discusses a study where one group of students used PETAL and another used a standard LISP environment to learn recursion. The PETAL group performed better during the learning period and on a written posttest. Theorizes why PETAL may be responsible for improved learning of…

Examined whether use of robotics had a greater effect on elementary school children's achievement in science concepts and problem-solving abilities than use of battery-powered motorized manipulatives or no manipulatives. Found no significant difference in achievement from use of robotics except in programming language problem solving. Both…

Examines ideas on a thinking curriculum and "learning to learn" in the secondary education context. Explores computing studies at the Scottish secondary 3/4 level with 14- to 16-year-olds. Explains that this case study provides an example of the infusion approach being incorporated into the teaching of computer programming. (CMK)

Computer operations involving complex numbers, essential in such applications as Fourier transforms or image processing, are normally performed in a "divide-and-conquer" approach dealing separately with real and imaginary parts. A number of proposals have treated complex numbers as a single unit but all have foundered on the problem of the…

The intent of this project was to improve test and programming scores of 9th through 12th grade students enrolled in the Practical Computer Skills: Logo course in a north central Florida high school. An implementation program that demonstrated teacher-designed graphical computer language Logo programs, utilized multimedia techniques, and used…

This paper discusses the use of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) techniques for computer-aided learning (CAL); the work was started in the context of project Nestor, a joint effort of German universities about cooperative multimedia authoring/learning environments. There are four major categories of cooperation for CAL: author/author,…

This paper describes a National Science Foundation-sponsored project at Louisiana Technological University to develop computer-based laboratories for "hands-on" introductions to major topics of computer science. The underlying strategy is to develop structured laboratory environments that present abstract concepts through the use of…

This paper presents two examples in which technology, in this case a fairly sophisticated authoring system--ToolBook, was used as a tool to construct student understandings in mathematics. In doing so, students were able: (1) to successfully identify the variables (unknowns) and the information given (data) in the problem; and (2) to create…

This article presents a novel approach for explaining algorithms that aims to overcome various pedagogical limitations of the current visualization systems. The main idea is that at any given time, a learner is able to focus on a single problem. This problem can be explained, studied, understood, and tested, before the learner moves on to study…

Examines whether an approach to teaching Logo programming that directly guides college students in use of cognitive monitoring skills and the transfer of those skills leads to increased cognitive monitoring and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates that guided instruction led to increased comprehension monitoring and contributed to the development…

When using spreadsheets to explore real-world problems involving periodic change, students can observe what happens at each period, generate a graph, and learn how changing the starting quantity or constants affects results. Spreadsheet lessons for high school students are presented that explore mathematical modeling, linear programming, and…

Presents a scenario in which two people solve a programming problem by discussing various number sequences and functions. The problem is redefined as one related to number theory and operations research. (DDR)

Examines the effects of using LOGO, or problem-solving- oriented simulation software on locus of control, self-esteem, and achievement motivation for fifth-grade students. The importance of these variables in predicting LOGO mastery and far-transfer problem-solving ability was also examined. (Author)