Defines simulation gaming and differentiates it from role playing. The author suggests that educators need to be aware of its advantages and disadvantages and to know how to evaluate the potential effectiveness of a particular simulation game. An example simulation game is provided, with guidelines for developing more simulation games in nursing.…

Outlines a "post office" lesson used in foreign language teaching. Students write postcards to each other and class conversation becomes a realistic exercise in asking directions to the Post Office, price of postage, methods of mailing, etc. (CHK)

Describes the use of three educational innovations--prototypes, simulations, and protocol materials--in teacher education programs. Sample lessons and evaluations of each of the innovations are provided. (Author/DB)

This seventh grade activity asks students to gather data that will help them understand and appreciate the Islamic way of life and to learn to feel comfortable living with a Muslim family in Syria during the second semester of the school year. The activity states each student will be interviewed by a Fulbright official, expected to keep a…

This report reviews 36 evaluation studies to examine the effects of instructional technology on mathematics and science learning. Four types of computer applications are explored and discussed: (1) integrated learning systems in mathematics; (2) computer tutorials in science; (3) computer simulations in science; and (4) microcomputer-based…

This two day lesson plan for middle school students examines Marco Polo's travels and trade during the Middle Ages. The unit consists of four activities: (1) journal entry/brainstorming; (2) lecture on trade items of the Middle Ages and Marco Polo; (3) simulation of Marco Polo's Journey; and (4) a writing assignment. It provides step-by-step…

Designed for high school students, this curriculum program addresses the challenges of cultural and ethnic diversity that many students face, including intolerance, violence, and a lack of hope. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the United Nations (UN) and its various organizations. The unit teaches them the valuable skills…

Through reading a selected piece of literature and developing an imaginary city, students learn about the functions of local government and the incorporation process. They learn about the basic structure of the U.S. government and participate in a simulated city council meeting. Government is defined as the people and groups within a society with…

A considerable amount of data on computerized adaptive testing (CAT) has been conducted using simulated data. However, most researchers would agree that simulations may not fully reflect the reality of examinee performance on a test. This study used maximum likelihood procedures to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of examinee ability…

This simulation allows students to experience a race from El Paso, Texas to the tip of South America. The students travel through each of the Latin American countries learning as much as they can about each country and completing one report per group. Next, the teams present their report and projects, draw general information/history question…

Current e-learning models have been criticized by constructivists for providing content without a learning social context and have argued that such learning contexts need to be designed into e-learning programs. This paper takes issue with this approach, suggesting that it unnecessarily imports into e-learning assumptions and strategies from the…

This guide to a unit on a simulation game about the stock market contains an instructional text and two separate simulations. Through directed lessons and reproducible worksheets, the unit teaches students about business ownership, stock exchanges, benchmarks, commissions, why prices change, the logistics of buying and selling stocks, and how to…

A small-scale study was conducted to compare test-taking strategies, problem-solving strategies, and general impressions about the test across computer and paper-and-pencil administration modes. Thirty-six examinees (high school students) participated in the study. Each examinee took a test in one of the content areas of English, Mathematics,…

Questions and activities using still pictures, audio materials, simulations and games, popular arts, literature in the new social studies projects are given. Combinations of the right kind of media around fundamental human issues may help students get meaningful answers to the questions posed in the history classroom. (VW)