Type: Empirical

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of computer programming (i.e., Logo and CAI) on 6-year-old children's cognitive style, metacognitive abilities, cognitive development, and ability to describe directions.

Findings: No differences were found for any measure for the CAI group. There were statistically significant pre- to posttest differences on Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking in fluency p < .01 and originality p < .05 for the LOGO group. Differences between the pre- and posttest scores for error t(8)= 3.58 p < .007 and latency, t(8) =2.21, p < .05. The Logo group outperformed the CAI group on both metacognitive tasks. No differences were found between the two groups in classification and seriation.

Recommendations: Programming may affect cognitive style but no evidence suggest that is affects general cognitive development.