Explores the potential of the RAY learning environment in improving learning about optics. Results indicate that this environment, which includes a flexible ray-tracing simulation, had a significant effect on the spontaneous and correct use of the model by students in solving problems and a limited effect on conceptual understanding, but promoted…

Simulation output analysis has received little attention comparing to modeling and programming in real-world simulation applications. This is further evidenced by our observation that students and beginners acquire neither adequate details of knowledge nor relevant experience of simulation output analysis in traditional classroom learning. With…

Extensive studies have been conducted on programming knowledge, instructional environments and effective pedagogies in order to improve the teaching and learning of computer programming. However, there have been few studies on the usefulness and effectiveness of using simulation. The aim of this paper is two-fold: to describe the design and…

This pamphlet presents brief reviews of 38 population education software and online systems currently available. It includes mathematical models, simulations, databases, problem-solving games, online systems, and associations. The review includes a description of the program, the level at which it is aimed, required computer hardware, the vendor's…

A guide to mutual gains bargaining (MGB) is presented for faculty union leaders and college administrators, as well as school systems. MGB is based on applied behavioral sciences concepts and the use of bargaining teams and emphasizes problem-solving and improving communications and campus relationships. Two different uses of the mutual gains…

This report describes the first of three stages in a study in the domain of problem solving: the definition and explication of schema knowledge. One objective of this research is to understand how schema knowledge is acquired and used in the chosen domain. The focus is on ways in which instruction influences the development of specific knowledge…

This guide contains the "Work It Out" simulation, which is pertinent to a variety of curriculum areas, both academic and vocational. The purpose of "Work It Out" is to introduce the student to work-related problem situations and to promote skills in identifying alternatives when solving problems. Part I discusses use of the…

"Sherlock" is a computer-based, supported practice environment for a complex troubleshooting job in Air Force electronics. The program was developed to raise the level of troubleshooting knowledge of avionics technicians. This describes the training problem for which Sherlock was developed, the principles behind its development, and its…

Award winning projects in K-12 and college level economics are described in this publication. There are two major sections. Section I describes winning projects for 1979-80. A senior research seminar in economics offered undergraduate students a chance to build inexpensive, simplified forecasting models of the U.S. economy. Each student develops…

A 1957 SIMULATION PROGRAM FOR THE TRAINING OF PRACTICING AND PROSPECTIVE EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WAS UPDATED IN 1966 TO REFLECT EMERGING PROBLEMS AS WELL AS CHANGES IN SCHOOL ORGANIZATION, TEACHER SALARIES, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION. THE REVISED PROGRAM INCLUDED--(1) SIMULATION ROLES FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT, FOR…

This annotated bibliography developed in connection with an ongoing investigation of the use of computer simulations for fault diagnosis training cites 61 published works taken predominantly from the disciplines of engineering, psychology, and education. A review of the existing literature included computer searches of the past ten years of…

The inservice program and materials described here are intended to increase understanding and, when necessary, to encourage a change in attitude on the part of teachers dealing with problems considered typical in desegregated and integrated schools. Realistic situations designed to give participants the opportunity to encounter and deal with…

This paper introduces a note of caution about oversubscribing to rational game theory models of analysis at the expense of humanistic inquiry. Although game theory provides a useful tool for the explanation of rational alternatives in given social situations, it should not replace humanistic inquiry. "Good" decision-making in game theory usually…

Increasingly, schools are being asked to be explicit about what they intend to accomplish, how they are going to accomplish their intents, and how well they have succeeded. This training unit seeks to assist school personnel in one of the essential phases of these three tasks, that of translating long-range educational goals into usable objectives…

A survey of computer use was conducted in 1974 in a small, nonrandom sample of Massachusetts colleges and universities. Allowing for inflation, but adjusting for the increase in computer power per dollar, it is clear that significantly more computer power is being devoted to instruction--both "with" and "about" the computer.…