Recently, several scholars have suggested that academic self-regulation may be particularly important for students participating in online learning. The purpose of the present study was to develop a quantitative self-report measure of perceived task value and self-efficacy for learning within the context of self-paced, online training, and to…

This study describes and analyzes the pedagogical activities of two professional development models aimed at helping teachers effectively integrate technology in their classrooms. Most importantly, it investigates the impact of those activities on teacher learning and practice. Results of the study provide empirical evidence that links key…

Three classes of conceptual bugs presenting obstacles to all novice programmers and not related to any specific program--parallelism, intentionality, and egocentrism--are identified and exemplified through student errors. It is suggested these bugs are rooted in students' intuitive feeling that programming languages, like humans, have intelligent,…

Examines reasons why some elementary and secondary students learn programming in BASIC and LOGO much better than others suggesting this happens because students bring different learning patterns to the programming context. Pitfalls novices face in learning programming are discussed, and instructional design suggestions to foster better learning…

Describes a study of junior high students which investigated academic achievement and higher cognitive skill development outcomes of a computer programming course in which two augmentations to traditional BASIC instruction were compared. A model for understanding learning outcomes is presented, suggesting ways to augment instruction to focus on…

This study describes how elementary and secondary California teachers nominated as successful in their microcomputer-based instruction teach science and mathematics, and how their computer usage varies in relation to (1) teacher characteristics (computer and subject matter knowledge, and attitudes toward computers); and (2) district, school, and…

Reports on test development and validation research in computer literacy among elementary and secondary students. Empirical data collected in testing 3,000 students in grades four, seven, and 11 are presented which evidence psychometric properties of the testing instruments and address questions of interrelationships among student and classroom…

This study explored relationships among elementary students' cognitive styles, Logo programing, academic achievement, and cognitive abilities. It was found that top-down processing as measured by a writing activity is positively related to Logo programing success, field independence, holistic tendencies, and general academic achievement. LOGO…

A metaanalysis of elementary school computer-assisted instruction (CAI) research found that lower achievers profit more from CAI; it is more effective in primary grades; boys may learn more than girls; drill and practice produces highest effect sizes; and no relationship exists between year of study publication and effect size. (MBR)

Two studies investigated gender differences in planning and debugging behavior, group processes, and achievement among junior high school students learning either Logo or BASIC computer programing in small groups or as individuals. Results indicate no differences in behavior and achievemenet of males and females. (Author/MBR)

This study examined microcomputer use by individual students and groups of two, three, and five seventh- and eighth-grade students to discover any relationship existing between group size and achievement of a correct problem solution, and whether there is a relationship between group size and time to solution. (MBR)

Surveys recent literature on computer programing focusing on psychological studies of the programing task and selected instructional issues related to precollege programing. The cognitive demands and outcomes of programing, the influence of instruction on learning, and individual differences in outcomes of programing are specifically addressed.…

Describes a study that involved development and evaluation of a training module that uses computer assisted instruction and cooperative learning to facilitate acquisition of learning strategies by university students. Results reveal strategy training with the module enhanced performance on free recall tests. (MBR)

Discusses two alternative metrics to detect computer software plagiarism: the Halstead metric drawn from the software science discipline and an ad hoc method drawn from program grading experience and identified by factor analysis. Possible explanations as to why the ad hoc method is more useful in identical-task environments are considered.…

Discusses educational uses of microcomputers in context of development theories and models of education and describes the development of a computer-supported writing system for the development of academic skills--a children's newswire service--and its influence on the improvement of low-achieving students' reading and writing skills. (MBR)