Discusses the advantages of basing computer simulations on analogues of nature rather than mathematical models. Explains the concept of heritability and describes how a computer simulation can help undergraduate students understand this concept. (ML)

Discusses the efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to make interactive video an integral part of foreign language instruction. Interactive video is seen as a method which could profoundly alter the old classroom model of language instruction. (Author/SED)

Defines the term "simulation"; discusses role of instructional simulations, particularly computer-based; describes what constitutes an effective simulation and its appropriate use; and reviews several specific examples of computer simulations, emphasizing nature and quality of student interaction with the model. (MBR)

The Land Development Law course at George Washington University is an approach to teach the basic concepts of land management and control through a "game" simulation. Instead of studying the law, students actively participate in a simulated real-life environment where they can practice and develop their legal skills. (MLW)

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of computer-based simulation versus observation in a laboratory nursery school. Results indicate students in the computer-based simulation were better able to observe and record descriptions of child behavior in the video tape sequence after training than students in the control group who received…

Maintains that simulation games in social studies education are successful because they combine factual content, skills development, and experience in decision making. The five simulations described are Explorers I, River City, Boxcars, The Union Divides, and Starpower. (Author/DB)

To help pre-service teachers anticipate discipline problems, recognize that alternatives exist, and explore and bank the alternatives for future reference, the authors developed and field-tested simulations consisting of problem cards, slides, criteria sheets, decision cards, and sample solutions. Participants role-play teachers; classmates…

Thirty six senior students in chemical engineering were randomly assigned to three treatment groups in an experimental study that examined the impact of different instructional strategies for troubleshooting malfunctions in a computer-based simulation of a chemical processing plant. In two groups, different types of worked examples,…

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a diagnostic experiential simulation (Gredler, 2004) in a graduate Performance Technology (PT) course. Simulations are experiences that provide an authentic learning environment that scaffolds novices' problem solving while minimizing the risks of 'practicing' their newly learned…

This article discusses a method of organizing Business English studies for students who learn it as a foreign language at schools of business and universities outside English-speaking countries. These students typically lack both previous practical experience in business and opportunities to watch business being done in English or to participate…

Simulations and games have been used in education for decades, but most of this development has been in the areas of business and economics. Well-designed simulations and games have been shown to improve decision-making and critical thinking skills as well as teaching discipline-specific concepts. Active learning also helps students develop…

This simulation allows students to experience the mystery of exploration and the hazards and perils of colonial life. Students are divided into 4- to 6-person colonizing groups. After acquiring some background information they then become colonists. They spend the remainder of the simulation making decisions, working, coping, surviving, and…

This simulation allows students to participate in situations and events similar to those experienced by pioneers who headed west in early wagon trains. Students face problems such as floods, droughts, blocked trails, snakes, Indians, and the lack of food. Students must make numerous individual and small-group decisions that provide them with a…

Describes how the audiotutorial method of instruction can be used to simulate field trips in earth science. Each excursion takes the student, via slides, audiotapes, specimens and maps, to various parts of the world to observe and investigate phenomena associated with a particular aspect of earth science. (JR)

Describes a unit of study in environmental education which utilizes multimedia techniques to assist the student in making and evaluating predictions about the future of "spaceship earth." (JR)