Examines how systems thinking, simulation, and modeling affect secondary school teachers' classroom processes. Highlights include a two-dimensional matrix to show patterns of adaptation, teacher proficiency with technology, curriculum development, time constraints, teacher training, expertise, accountability, administrative issues, and the…

Examines relationships between the two major components of computer simulations, the computer and participants; highlights major differences between computer-assisted, computer-based, and computer-controlled simulations; and describes three computer-assisted simulations to illustrate the interdependence of the major components. (MBR)

Explains how a spreadsheet can be an effective modeling and simulation tool for studying electrical circuits. Highlights include Kirchoff's rules and matrices algebra; a pilot experiment with preservice teacher education students in a physics class; the teacher's role; student attitudes; curricular aspects; and the effectiveness of the spreadsheet…

This paper describes a theoretical perspective in which teacher performance and classroom procedures in technology-based settings can be observed and compared. The paper uses as an example the Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Network (STACIN) Project, which implements a simulation-modeling software package as an analytic problem solving…