Although claims concerning the cognitive benefits of computer programming have been made, research results are conflicting. This study assessed the effects of learning computer programming and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on specific cognitive skills (classification and seriation operations), metacognitive skills, creativity, and achievement (reading, mathematics, and ability to describe directions). Seventy-two 6- and 8-year-old children were pretested to assess pretreatment level of operational competence (classification and seriation), creativity, and achievement. The children were then randomly assigned to one of three 22-week treatment conditions — computer programming in Logo, CAT, or control. Posttesting revealed that the programming group scored significantly higher on measures of operational competence, two of three measures of metacognitive skills, and a measure of creativity and on describing directions. No differences were found on measures of reading and mathematics achievement