Simulation-based learning (SBL) is a recent yet promising pedagogical approach. There is a plethora of medical and business simulations. However, there is a lack of simulation tools for other areas of study, like teacher education. Furthermore, since the content of many educational simulations is "hard-coded" into the tool, educators typically…

This digest discusses types of computer applications used in science assessment; underlying assumptions that guide their roles in assessment; and issues which relate to validity, gender equity, instructional delivery, mode of user interface, and responsibility to the public. Assessment applications for computers can be broadly classified into two…

The study summarized in this paper explored policies for improving open online content development projects with respect to growing the development community and improving the quantity and quality of materials developed. The study made use of dynamic feedback simulation and interviews with the members of an established content development…

Presented is a simulation program for Apple II computer which assays the effects of a series of variables on bacterial growth and interactions between microbial populations. Results of evaluation of the program with students are summarized. (CW)

Developed computer-based rehabilitation caseload management simulation and administered simulation to 18 rehabilitation students and 18 rehabilitation counselors. Performance was evaluated using six caseload management performance indicators. Performance indicators, derived from computer simulation, were found to be effective in differentiating…

Describes two computer-assisted instructional programs (I-View Skills and Goal-Focused Interviewing) and two interactive videodisk (IVD) programs (Crisis Counseling and Group Treatment) designed to teach social work practice skills in introductory interpersonal practice course. Presents programs to encourage other social work faculty and agency…

Conceptual change is a popular, contemporary conception of meaningful learning. Conceptual change describes changes in conceptual frameworks (mental models or personal theories) that learners construct to comprehend phenomena. Different theories of conceptual change describe the reorganization of conceptual frameworks that results from different…

Reports a case study of thirteen college students engaging in a role-play activity of a Maui legend in a virtual reality environment. Immersed in the authentic cultural environment, the students not only interacted with the environment and each other, but recreated the legend based on their interpretation of the culture. (CAK)

Creating a forum for conflict management students to conceptualize and implement collaborative negotiation techniques can be difficult to manage during classroom time. A computer-based simulation assigned in conjunction with in-class activities offers three distinct advantages for students who are beginning negotiators: (1) classroom time may be…

Virtual reality (VR) describes a set of technologies that allow users to explore and experience 3-dimensional computer-generated "worlds" or "environments." These virtual environments can contain representations of real or imaginary objects on a small or large scale (from modeling of molecular structures to buildings, streets, and scenery of a…

This paper focuses on the different ways in which students in lower secondary school (14-16 year olds) experience compound random events, presented to them in the form of combined junctions. A carefully designed ICT environment was developed enabling the students to interact with different representations of such structures. Data for the analysis…

In this paper, we present the comprehensive version of CSIEC (Computer Simulation in Educational Communication), an interactive web-based human-computer dialogue system with natural language for English instruction, and its tentative application and evaluation in English education. First, we briefly introduce the motivation for this project,…

All teacher education programs require teacher candidates to have in-school practicum experiences. Placing student teachers in schools is not always easy, however, and it is getting harder. According to the field experience office at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, it is getting more difficult to find schools where the teacher candidates can…

Described is a microcomputer-aided patient simulator (MAPS). The system was developed to increase medical students' opportunities to diagnose and manage patient problems. The system combines a microcomputer with an optional laserdisc player. The system has been used successfully for four years and could be used in other content fields. (RH)

Considers several applications of microcomputer technology to instructional feedback in communication training. Describes how this technology is advantageous in the delivery of immediate, simultaneous, and delayed instructional comments in traditional performance courses. Discusses the linking of video and computer technology to provide…