This paper presents a Simulation-based interactive Virtual ClassRoom web system (SVCR: www.vclasie.com) powered by the state-of-the-art cloud computing technology from Google SVCR integrates popular free open-source math, science and engineering simulations and provides functions such as secure user access control and management of courses,…

Abstraction is a key concept in CS, one of the most fundamental ideas underlying CS and its practice. However, teaching this soft concept to novices is a very difficult task, as discussed by many CSE experts. This paper discusses this issue, and suggests a general framework for teaching abstraction in CS to novices, a framework that would fit into…

In this paper we report on the sustained research and development work at the AMSTEL Institute of the University of Amsterdam to improve mathematics and science education at primary and secondary school level, which has lead amongst other things to the development of the integrated computer working environment Coach 6. This environment consists of…

This paper was prepared in response to the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences recommendations for the preparation of secondary teachers. It shows how using trigonometry as a conceptual tool in spreadsheet-based applications enables one to develop mathematical understanding in the context of constructing geometric representations of unit…

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) was tasked with identifying the key science concepts for science literacy in K-12 students in America (AAAS, 1990, 1993). The AAAS Atlas of Science Literacy (2001) has organized roughly half of these science concepts or benchmarks into fifty flow charts. Each flow chart or strand map…

Many students with learning difficulties have trouble solving mathematical word problems. Presents DISCOVER, an intelligent tutoring system that teaches students this task with less failure and frustration. Features a review of literature on word problem instruction, an explanation of intelligent tutoring systems, and a description of DISCOVER.…

Presents graphic means of representing deductive proofs in a sentential system of symbolic logic. Provides students with performance data following a description of the rule set and the working backwards method. Shows that one interface design is superior to others in respect to working backwards. Draws some general conclusions concerning the…

Designs a set of spreadsheet-supported activities to examine how preservice and inservice teachers behave in an exploratory computer setting, thus providing clues capable of informing the design of other learning opportunities using this technological tool. Describes the content of the activities devised and some of the strategies used by teachers…

Investigates the effects of two instructional strategies--augmented activation activities vs. expository instruction--and three different presentation formats--microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL), simulation, and computer-based text--on individuals' ability to understand concepts in physics. Indicates significant main effect for presentation…

Explores what can be learned--in particular, what can be learned about science--from the Web sites of four well-known science journals: Discover, Scientific American, Nature, and Science. (Author/ASK)

Shows how the joint use of a dynamic geometry program and a spreadsheet can provide a computational environment for exploring geometry on plane lattices that lessens the risk of developing the false empiricist view of mathematics often associated with the use of information technology. Contains 17 references. (Author/ASK)

Compares science students who were exposed to traditional methodology with those who received traditional methodology supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Indicates that on the average, students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with CAI attained higher academic achievement than did 60.4% of those receiving only…

Describes computer activities that offer middle school students opportunities to cooperatively explore problem situations and connect mathematical understandings to each other, to their experiences, and to other disciplines. Contains 19 references. (Author/ASK)

Examines the effects of professional development in multimedia-based technology for 26 inservice and 14 preservice teachers on science and mathematics instruction. Focuses on three components critical to the success of this professional-development model: (1) linkage of pedagogy to technology; (2) collaborative teacher planning of instructional…

Analyzes and refutes the arguments made by "back-to-basics" proponents against the use of calculators and for traditional instruction in the algorithms of pencil-and-paper arithmetic. Argues for the value of mental arithmetic in achieving all the aims and more of the traditional curriculum. (Author/ASK)