Productivity tools allow students to do something that was not possible without technology and then to share their results with others. In contrast to traditional software that encourages linear procedural processes, tool software is open-ended. Productivity tools include word processing, spread sheets, graphics, and telecommunications software. When designing cooperative computer-based strategies, teachers must deal with issues such as the size of the group, equity of access to the computer, time pressures, and software that is designed for individual use. There is a definite "best practice" approach to using technology in a problem-solving application. The most successful teachers draw their students into the problem area without undue emphasis on computer aspects of the units. Best practice in these situations includes: (1) introductions to computers; (2) modeling of problem-solving steps and practices; (3) discussion; (4) written products; and (5) public sharing of results at the end of each unit. Some of the most valuable learning occurs when students and teachers manage computer projects together. (SLD)