Discusses motives behind development of teaching aids to introduce library science students to online searching, range of such aids the College of Librarianship Wales has developed, and describes a microcomputer package which comprises a computer assisted instruction module to familiarize students with DIALOG and an emulation which allows online…

Research during the past decade suggests that integrating computing technology in general, and mobile computers in particular, into the educational environment has positive effects. This is the first long-term study of high school Personal Digital Assistant use. It involved three-parts, 146 students during four years. Part one found that PDA use…

This report describes a multidisciplinary project by members of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Departments of Geography and Computer Science, and College of Education, to develop computer-aided education software for introductory geography at the college and high school levels. GeoSim's goal was to produce major changes in…

This high school physics computer software resource is a systems and control simulator that covers the topics of electricity, electronics, mechanics, and programming. Circuits can easily be simulated on the screen and electronic and mechanical components can be combined. In addition to those provided in Crocodile Technology, a student can create…

Describes an integrated authoring environment, AIDA ("Ambiente Integrado de Desenvolvimento de Aplicacoes educacionais"), that was developed at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) for educational software. Highlights include the design module, a prototyping tool that allows for multimedia, simulations, and modularity; execution module;…

Describes experiences at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) with the use of simulation software in life sciences laboratories and discusses the results of evaluation procedures that included confidence logs, questionnaires, interviews, and grades. A table of statistical results relevant to confidence log comparisons and the postcourse…

This study examined the effect of video-based contextualized advisement and competition on transfer of mathematics skills in a computer-based simulation game in which participants helped their "aunt and uncle" fix up a house. Participants were 123 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Results indicated an interaction between competition…

Described are several spreadsheet templates which use the functions of iteration and logical look-up which allow students to calculate and graph quantum mechanical functions and to simulate rotational and vibrational energy level and spectra. The templates are listed in the appendix. (KR)

In response to our technological society, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommends decreasing drill and reliance on multiple-choice tests and increasing problem solving and real-world applications. Other recommendations include simulation software to provide mathematical challenges, collaborative learning, and alternative…

Discussion of the use of computer simulation for laboratory experiments in undergraduate engineering education focuses on work at the University of New South Wales in the instructional design and software development of a package simulating a heat exchange device. The importance of integrating theory, design, and experimentation is also discussed.…

Discusses the integration of videodisc technology into classrooms and presents criteria for evaluating the interactivity of videodiscs. Three levels of interactive videodiscs (IVD) are described, and a criteria checklist is included that evaluates skill development, simulation, feedback, the interaction of the student manual with the electronic…

Reflects on the thought and process involved in the development of a series of computer simulations used to help teach a two-semester U.S. history course. Lists common elements in the simulations, describes the simulations, and responds to criticisms. Discusses student reaction to the use of computer simulations in a history course. (LS)

Describes a computer simulation for teaching diplomacy that has been used at the University of New Orleans (Louisiana). The program enables students to examine the interaction of war with diplomacy by addressing the subject both historically and socio-psychologically. Discusses the results and makes recommendations for modifications. (KO)

Describes research project being implemented in the United Kingdom that has been developed to examine the process of change in secondary school students' conceptual understandings in the physical sciences. Models of conceptual change are described, the role of computer based activities in promoting conceptual change is discussed, and software…

Five articles describe improvements in instructional software designed to enhance problem solving skills. Issues addressed include problem solving software to implement curriculum goals; problem solving theory and writing theory; software for elementary and secondary school science instruction; software for mathematics instruction; and cognitive…