Research on computers in schools is reviewed. The findings include the following: (1) 53 percent of schools have computers; (2) restructuring classroom schedules and revising inservice programs would expand computer use; (3) software packages should allow for individual differences; (4) publishers are coordinating software with curriculum; and (5)…

Presents a computerized version of the Prisoner's Dilemma game, which runs on several Apple computers. Makes a case for utilizing the program in interpersonal, small group, and social conflict communication classes. Describes the four computerized versions of the game: rational, partially rational, nonrational, and assumed rational. (JD)

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Describes adventure games, a genre of computer simulation games that require the use of creative and intuitive approaches similar to those used in online database searching, and suggests that they can be used in training online searchers to develop creative problem solving skills. Reviews of several available adventure games are included. (EJS)

This study focuses on alternative ways of thinking about the experiences of two cohorts of high school students participating in separate political simulations, one about peace negotiations in the Middle East (the Arab-Israeli Conflict simulation, or AIC), and one focusing on domestic American policy issues (the Conflix Project, or Conflix). Both…

Describes a pilot investigation that used a computer-based total enterprise simulation as a research methodology for studying management decision making with students in an MBA program. Discussion of performance criteria highlights return on investment (ROI) as the best measure of group performance, and future research needs are suggested. (eight…

This personal narrative traces the background of instructional gaming from 1958 to 1995. The advantages and disadvantages of gaming as a disciplined activity are considered. The evolution of professional organizations, related academic activity, the game design process, and the need for consistent use of terms are addressed. Contains 57…

Examines the evolution of multimedia simulation games on floppy disk and CD-ROM, and reviews uses of simulation games for education and entertainment. Discusses what is involved in building, marketing, and playing simulated games. Examples of game screens are displayed throughout the article, and a sidebar lists companies mentioned in the article.…

Describes a study that examined the relative impact of 44 independent variables on performance in a business simulation used in an administrative policy course. Categories of variables include ability, motivation, interest, confidence, cohesion, and organizational formality; and results indicate that motivation and interest have the most effect on…

Describes a recently developed microcomputer-based farm management game called AgVenture. The objective of the program is to allow students to practice making management decisions for a model crop farm to teach risk management and reinforce traditional farming management principles. (MDH)

Reviews some of the cross-cultural factors that should be considered in the design of interactive learning environments such as computer simulations and games. Highlights include cross-cultural differences in learning and the use of technology; cross-cultural attitudes toward technology; computer anxiety; and a methodology for culture-centered…

Presents an overview of the evolution of experiential instruction theory and practice from its popular emergence in the late 1960s through the present. Simulations, games, and other experience-based instructional methods have had a substantial impact on teaching concepts and applications during this period, and have influenced traditional…

Students are, increasingly, digital content producers, and participate extensively in evolving online social networks. The emergence of the former represents subtle changes in students' experience of images, audience, copyright, ownership of learning, and technology. Experiencing the latter places students in an awkward position in terms of…

For the thirty-sixth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Anaheim, California. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two…

With the release of the fourth edition in the annual "Horizon Report, the New Media Consortium (NMC) has undertaken a concerted, international effort to describe a research agenda and call to scholarship based on the six practices and technologies featured in the report. The community was invited to participate in this process, contribute to the…