Describes a variety of computer software. The packages reviewed include a variety of simulations, a spread sheet, a printer driver and an alternative operating system for DBM.PCs and compatible programs. (BSR)

This article offers guidelines to assist simulation developers in maximizing the lifespan of their software products through structured designs and creative attempts at integrating their programs into standard courses. Current efforts to redesign PROJECT SIMULATION, a computer-assisted instructional software package for teaching methodology in…

Discusses a model that demonstrates the value of using computer simulation for planning in the management of a microcomputer resource laboratory. It allows a clear understanding of relationships between possible acquisition decisions and the ability of the laboratory to serve the needs of faculty and students effectively. (JOW)

Describes how electronic games can help students of varying abilities in building hypotheses and in designing and conducting experiments. Reviews two simulation programs and provides suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

Three new developments are sparking renewed enthusiasm for microcomputers among science teachers: teacher-designed software, more powerful hardware, and increased access to teacher inservice and coursework for computer-assisted instruction. Central to tomorrow's science curriculum will be teachers' acting as mentors, facilitators, and…

Discussion of computer simulations as a form of computer-assisted learning (CAL) focuses on a framework for domain representation for an Intelligent Simulation Learning Environment (ISLE). Topics discussed include knowledge related to computer simulations; formalization of domain knowledge; and the conceptual domain model. (19 references) (LRW)

New applications of computer-assisted training being developed include telecommunications, artificial intelligence, soft skills training, and performance support systems. Barriers to acceptance are development time, costs, and lack of human contact. (SK)

The authors present a constructivist approach for teaching game theory, on the basis, in part, of Axelrod's research approach. Using the Axelrod tournament multi-user system (ATMUS) software, students create strategies for a repeated prisoner's dilemma (RPD). Later, these strategies are matched with those of their classmates' in a classroom…

In an interview, Dr. Deborah W. Proctor, eCurriculum Director for Academic Innovations/ Minnesota Online and Co-Chair for the MERLOT International Conference, outlines her academic path that led to her current position and interests. As e-Curriculum Director for Academic Innovations in the Office of the Chancellor she works with system…

Developing a software environment to enhance 3D geometric proficiency demands the consideration of theoretical views of the learning process. Simultaneously, this effort requires taking into account the range of tools that technology offers, as well as their limitations. In this paper, we report on the design of Virtual Spaces 1.0 software, a…

In this paper we will focus on a specific category of Collaborative Virtual Environments that aims to support Collaborative Learning. We call these environments Collaborative Educational Virtual Environments. Our aim is to analyze the evaluation process through the study of relevant bibliography and by doing so reveal the existing research gap…

The present research investigates the contribution of an interactive educational virtual environment on milk pasteurization to the learning outcomes of 40 students in a technical secondary school using SOLO taxonomy. After the interaction with the virtual environment the majority of the students moved to higher hierarchical levels of understanding…

This paper reports findings of a pilot study that examined the pedagogical potential of "Second Life" (SL), a popular three-dimensional multi-user virtual environment (3-D MUVE) developed by the Linden Lab. The study is part of a 1-year research and development project titled "Modelling of Secondlife Environments"…

Educational software games aim at increasing the students' motivation and engagement while they learn. However, if software games are targeted to school classrooms they have to be usable and likeable by all students. Usability of virtual reality games may be a problem because these games tend to have complex user interfaces so that they are more…

It is complicated to design a computer simulation that adapts to students with different characteristics. This study documented cases that show how college students' prior chemistry knowledge level affected their interaction with peers and their approach to solving problems with the use of computer simulations that were designed to learn…