A systematic study was conducted with a group of 10- to 12-year-olds using computer assisted instruction in a unit on fire which included a computer simulation of combustion. Three research questions were addressed to learn more about how the computer experience challenged the students' preconceptions: what the students thought the computer knew,…

This guide for using computers in the whole language classroom provides teachers with practical ideas for the use of computers to promote group interaction and cooperative learning, including: (1) software webs to assist theme development; (2) pre-computer activities to motivate students; (3) computer activities to develop software competence; (4)…

A study of 228 undergraduate psychology students examined the effectiveness of a prototype of "heatlab," a laboratory simulation written in PCE-PROLOG, intended for remedying misconceptions of the concepts "heat" and "temperature." The effect of varying the amount of structure on students' understanding and the…

Arguing that television has a very important role to play in distance education courses, this paper outlines some of the unique roles that television can play and gives examples of how television can provide learning material not otherwise available to distance learners and help in the development of thinking and learning. Examples of how…

This report describes evaluations of two courses which were conducted, primarily through participant observation, in 1981. A general introduction looks at simulation in computer assisted learning (CAL) and at use of simulation CAL in the Open University science faculty. The first study discussed was based largely on a tutor's observations of…

Discusses role of computer simulation in complementing and extending conventional components of undergraduate engineering education process in United Kingdom universities and polytechnics. Aspects of computer-based learning are reviewed (laboratory simulation, lecture and tutorial support, inservice teacher education) with reference to programs in…

Presents thinking-aloud protocols from secondary pupils solving arithmetic story and geometrical problems and analyzes their protocols by using interpretation models founded on a general problem-solving model. A word problem solving simulation is also used to further explicate processes pupils use to solve mathematical tasks. (Author/MBR)

Studies effectiveness of using computer simulation in a fifth grade social studies class. Concludes that a computer simulation can be used as an adjunct to teaching and that one computer may be used as effectively as many in the classroom. States that educators should use software that incorporates graphics, cuing, randomization, immediate…

Compares the effect of a chemistry computer simulation, written by the author, with the effect of an instructor demonstration. The study indicates that in this particular situation the operation of a spectrophotometer can be effectively taught by computer simulation method. The program is written using HyperTalk, the HyperCard programming…

Describes the pharma-CAL-ogy project, funded by Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP), which has developed various types of software for use in pharmacology courses. Topics include course organization and delivery software, drill and practice software, tutorial-type programs, simulations, and the need to integrate computer-assisted…

Describes three examples of learning environments that were created for the Web at Clyde Virtual University (Scotland) to enable task-oriented learning by allowing students to develop and apply skills and knowledge in a simulated environment. Discusses the staff's team approach, focusing on the end user, and the appropriate use of technology.…

The Internet-based CyberOlympics project involved 17 primary schools from five different countries competing against each other in an international sporting event (concurrent with the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games). Activities that benefited from Internet access, difficulties involved in running such projects, and suggestions as to how schools can…

This paper describes two innovative and linked approaches to teaching and student learning in the environmental and development geography of the Mekong region, a region remote from students' normal experiential options. The first approach is field-based learning through Field Schools carried out in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. The second approach…

Kinetic models of a gas can be hard for students to understand. Typical tools do not display events at the microscopic level, yet computer simulations of the molecules lack a hands-on aspect. Here a new tool is described that combines the squeezing of a syringe with a computer simulation, and it is shown that this has worked well in class for both…

In this study, researchers evaluated the usability of game environments for teaching and learning about mathematical functions. A 3-Dimensional multi-user computer game called as "Quest Atlantis" has been used, and an educational game about mathematical functions has been developed in parallel to the Quest Atlantis' technical and…