Activities for investigating how the value of a variable in an equation affects the direction and shape of the graph are given. A computer program and three worksheets are included. (MNS)

This article discusses tools developed to aid the systems analysis process (program evaluation and review technique, Gantt charts, organizational charts, decision tables, flowcharts, hierarchy plus input-process-output). Similarities and differences among techniques, library applications of analysis, structured systems analysis, and the data flow…

Discusses rationale for distinguishing between task analysis and instructional analysis, contributions they make to instructional design, and why they are dependent on each other. Major functions in the instructional analysis process are described, examples are provided, and benefits of using this approach to achieve effective and efficient…

Reviews studies of children's drawings and summarizes experiment which tested 5- to 11-year-olds for ability to execute color use differences and sensitivity to differences in heraldic, gradation, harmonic, and pure color use. It was found that children go from being completely unable to consistently able to produce appropriate differences. (MBR)

This section includes brief articles on holding a 'metric review show,' the 'normal' approach to graphing, graphing polynomials by using the powers of the factors, and some sum derivations. (MNS)

Presents findings from a search of 21 years of National Society for Performance and Instruction (NSPI) publications and conference programs undertaken to determine yearly trends in number of articles and talks, organizational affiliations of speakers and writers, types of presentations, and topics. A context taxonomy and recommendations are…

This research offers empirical evidence of the importance of supplying diverse symbolic representations in order to support concept development in mathematics. Graphical representation can be a helpful symbolic tool for concept development in the conceptual field of additive structures. Nevertheless, this symbolic tool has specific difficulties…

Graphical representations play an important role in both science and mathematics education. Graphs can summarize very complex information or relationships very effectively. Although graphs are explicitly taught in mathematics classrooms as an end in themselves, many subject areas such as science or social studies utilize graphs to represent and…

The concept of function is central in mathematics and grows in importance as one progresses in depth and breadth of understanding mathematics. Results from national assessment progress reports indicate that the majority of students do not comprehend the concepts of function and graphing. Technology has the potential to improve the understanding of…

With computers, tangible tools are represented by the hardware (e.g., the central processing unit, scanners, and video display unit), while intangible tools are represented by the software. There is a special category of computer-based software tools (CBSTs) that have the potential to mediate cognitive processes--computer-based cognitive tools…

This paper describes the possible effects of feedback on learning (associations) using a connectionist tool, the delta rule. Feedback in instruction can be described in terms of the interaction of stimulus inputs and response outputs, an associationist perspective. Here the delta rule is applied to each instance that an input and an output likely…

This CD-ROM consists of software that allows both teachers and students to create and experiment with mathematical models by linking shapes, graphs, numbers, and equations. It is usable for demonstrations, home learning, reinforcing concepts, illustrating concepts that are difficult to visualize, further pupil investigations, and project work.…

Reviews software for college/advanced high school-level physics designed to instruct/test students in vector arithmetic and analysis. Written for Apple II/II+ (Applesoft), the program menu contains seven items (including graphing and straight line fitting procedure). Excellent use of graphics and sound tutorial approach keep students' interest and…

Student exploration at a secondary school level of fraction relationships using special graphs is described. (MP)

A program designed to tutor algebra students in inequalities is presented. The program is designed around the graphics of the Apple II computer, and randomly picks graphs, and shades inequalities. (MP)