Does speed provide a "model for" rate of change in other contexts? Does JavaMathWorlds (JMW), animated simulation software, assist in the development of the "model for" rate of change? This project investigates the transference of understandings of rate gained in a motion context to a non-motion context. Students were 27 14-15 year old students at…

Intermolecular forces play an important role in many aspects of chemistry ranging from inorganic to biological chemistry. These forces dictate molecular conformation, species aggregation (including self-assembly), trends in solubility and boiling points, adsorption characteristics, viscosity, phase changes, surface tension, capillary action, vapor…

To identify the challenges that students must meet to engage in effective self-directed inquiry, a class was followed for three years, from the fourth through the sixth grades, as they engaged in a sequence of progressively more demanding inquiry activities. Students made substantial progress in understanding the objectives of inquiry, identifying…

A simple interface between VPython and Microsoft (MS) Office products such as Word and Excel, controlled by Visual Basic for Applications, is described. The interface allows the preparation of content-rich, interactive learning environments by taking advantage of the three-dimensional (3D) visualization capabilities of VPython and the GUI…

This paper will undertake a critical review of the impact of virtual reality tools on the teaching of history. Virtual reality is useful in several different ways. History educators, elementary and secondary school teachers and professors, can all profit from the digital environment. Challenges arise quickly however. Virtual reality technologies…

With their realistic animation, complex scenarios and impressive interactivity, computer simulation games might be able to provide context-rich, cognitively engaging virtual environments for language learning. However, simulation games designed for L2 learners are in short supply. As an alternative, could games designed for the mass-market be…

Although multimedia technologies offer a great potential, educators and decision makers need to see evidence regarding the instructional effectiveness of multimedia in order to integrate it into the educational processes. The main purposes of this paper are: (1) to identify and discuss the main criticisms of media research, including the research…

A way of identifying non-random patterns of effects on a group of individuals as a result of some intervention when a sample of participants is arrayed according to some indices of similarity is presented. The principle of proximal similarity and the concept of pattern matching provide the background for this effort. Major advantages are the…

Describes the disadvantages of using "canned" simulations as a part of an undergraduate economics course. Identifies four advantages of having students develop their own computer simulation models. Outlines the model-building process and displays a sample program. (JDH)

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)

Four procedures are discussed for obtaining a confidence interval when answer-until-correct scoring is used in multiple choice tests. Simulated data show that the choice of procedure depends upon sample size. (GDC)

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)

Discusses development of an analog simulation program for microcomputers similar to those available on mainframe computers. The program is interactive, more user-friendly than batch mode mainframe simulators in use, and has user help, error detection, and medium resolution graphics for presentation of system responses. (JN)