Civilization, Colonization, and SimCity are three CD-ROM simulation programs that provide authentic learning experiences for elementary and secondary level social studies. Benefits include a problem-solving design structure; student-controlled experiential learning; transferrable skills; and improvement of cognitive skills and reading…

Discussion of instructional visuals and practice techniques as effective learning strategies focuses on a study of undergraduates that examined the effects of animated instruction and practice on adult learning in a computer-based science lesson. Analyses of the results indicate that practice affects performance measures more than visual…

Identifies desirable features that should be included in software for effective instructional computing use. Highlights include design of learning activities; curriculum role; modes of instruction, including drill and practice, tutorials, games, simulation, and problem solving; branching; menu driven programs; screen displays; graphics; teacher…

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of 2 science simulation programs for 11- and 12-year-olds in a developing country (Guyana). Computer-assisted learning (CAL) results are compared with results from written assignments, effect size is discussed, gender differences are examined, and ability levels are considered. (14 references)…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Provides a behaviorist's approach to learning with the microcomputer. Considers the philosophy of dealing with computer learning including: drill and practice, using a word processor, problem solving, remedial work, simulations, tutorials, computer managed instruction, computer literacy, and inservice education. (MVL)

Describes the Vietnam Decision-Making Computer Simulation, a computer activity designed to enhance student understanding of the Vietnam War by placing them in the decision-making role of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Outlines variables in the simulation. Discusses the use of class journals in combination with the simulation. (RW)

Discusses under what conditions computer simulations should be used. Considers the aspects and qualities of computer simulations used in simulating science laboratory experiments. Provides suggestions for selecting or designing simulations. Examines the idea of transfer when using simulations. (MVL)

Reviews seven papers presented by the Technical Committee for Education of the International Federation for Information Processing. Topics consider: undergraduate physics, high school optics, a mathematics lab with LOGO, simulations and modeling for secondary education, computer assisted instruction with biology, and mathematics of tomorrow. (MVL)

Reviews five Apple II computer programs: (1) The Research Companion: Supreme Court Decisions, grades 9-12; (2) Rebus Writer--vocabulary, problem solving, wordplay, grades 3-12; (3) Playing with Science: Temperature--MBL for grades K-7; (4) Exploring Science: Temperature--MBL for grades 6-12; and (5) ShowOff--graphics, desktop presentations for…

Issues connected with knowledge acquisition through the development of complex computer programs--Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs)--are discussed. The components of such a system and its applications are considered, including: elicitation of knowledge, tutoring with incomplete/uncertain knowledge, self-improving tutoring systems, and…

Describes five studies on educational computing: (1) word processing and writing processes in colleges; (2) simulations and problem solving for learning disabled high school students; (3) social interaction and problem solving in children using Logo and drill and practice programs; (4) computer access and flowcharting in programing instruction;…

Describes two activities to introduce or extend the concept of the natural number e. Students conduct a lottery using either a table of random numbers or a computer simulation to link experimental probability results to the theoretical probability and to the number e. (MDH)

Describes the development of an interactive video simulation, the "Classroom Management Simulation," that teaches eight basic principles of classroom management to preservice teachers. Highlights include the instructional design process, including task analysis; the use of HyperCard for programming; and results of field testing. (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry that compared the effectiveness and efficiency of adaptive instruction with nonadaptive instruction using interactive videodisc patient simulations. The Dental Diagnosis and Treatment (DDx&Tx) System is explained, and problem-solving skills and study time are discussed.…