The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three instructional methods and conceptual systems orientation on achievement in a freshman general chemistry laboratory course. Traditional approach, learning cycle, and computer simulations are discussed. (KR)

Presents secondary lessons on population growth and the social factors that influence it. Provides a simulation scenario in which students decide whether or not to raise the marital age or develop other population control policies. Includes charts, cartoons, and student work sheets. (CFR)

Contends that empirical research using laboratory experimental economics has flourished during the past decade. Discusses how two practitioners of experimental economics integrated their research interests into undergraduate economics education. Describes three computerized exercises and includes samples of student handouts and activities. (CFR)

Describes an approach to teaching the scientific method where an outbreak of cholera within the school is simulated. Students act like epidemiologists in an attempt to track down the source of the contamination. (PR)

Describes strategies for teaching middle school students in a manner that promotes inclusion while allowing for individual differences, including the needs of special-needs students. Strategies discussed include the use of journals, student designed projects, hands-on experiences, and role play or simulation. (DB)

Describes the development of a speech-activated multimedia system for foreign-language training. The model allows students to engage native speakers on CD-ROM in lengthy face-to-face dialogs using natural spoken language. (Author/VWL)

Describes an experience using a computer simulation on air resistance. There appeared to be differences in how students approach learning in interactive physics learning environments with and without the simulation. (Contains over 20 references.) (Author/WRM)

Examines the importance of the instructional systems design (ISD) model in designing the presentation and content of technology-based learning (TBL) environments, especially for adult learners. Describes TBLs and their use in university and adult learning and discusses the most common presentation methods: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation,…

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…

Describes an introductory undergraduate astronomy course in which the large-lecture format was moved to one in which students were immersed in a technologically-rich, inquiry-based, participatory learning environment. Finds that virtual reality can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can…

We describe a simple, yet intellectually challenging model of grazing systems that introduces basic concepts in ecology and systems analysis. The practical is suitable for high-school and university curricula with a quantitative orientation, and requires only basic skills in mathematics and spreadsheet use. The model is based on Noy-Meir's (1975)…

Business students are typically introduced to the concept of process management in their introductory course on operations management. A very important learning outcome here is an appreciation that the management of processes is a key to the management of quality. Some of the related concepts are qualitative, such as strategic and behavioral…

Analyzing the activity of a group of students involved in an online university course with a simulation environment, this article considers and problematizes the idea of online community and its relations to learning. The analysis builds upon Dewey's conception of organic community and related perspectives. In valuing "joint action," such…

This paper examines the perceived effectiveness of simulations in teaching international business. A survey of third and fourth year Canadian students who participated in a web-based international business simulation was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to understand the underlying relationships in the resulting…

The purpose of this paper is to offer a successful pedagogy in the teaching of "Understanding Culture Differences for Business" using Internet sources. The use of the pedagogy has helped the author and several faculty (in the author's University located in the U.S.) to popularize the learning of the origins of national culture and how culture…