Background: In the 1990s, Salmon developed a five-stage model for enabling and scaffolding remote groups to work and learn together using asynchronous bulletin boards. The model has informed online learning and development practice across different levels and education for online and blended learning. Purpose: This paper reports our testing of the…

Virtual worlds have been linked with e-learning applications to create virtual learning environments (VLEs) for the past decade. However, while they can support many educational activities that extend both traditional on-campus teaching and distance learning, they are used primarily for learning content generated and managed by instructors. With…

Growing science apathy at the K-12 education level represents an alarming development with potentially devastating consequences at individual, societal and economic levels. Technology has been incorporated in science education without fundamentally improving test scores or student attitudes. We claim the core of the problem is how technology is…

Humans draw on their stereotypic beliefs to make assumptions about others. Even though prior research has shown that individuals respond socially to media, there is little evidence with regards to learners stereotyping and categorizing pedagogical agents. This study investigated whether learners stereotype a pedagogical agent as being…

A way of identifying non-random patterns of effects on a group of individuals as a result of some intervention when a sample of participants is arrayed according to some indices of similarity is presented. The principle of proximal similarity and the concept of pattern matching provide the background for this effort. Major advantages are the…

Describes the disadvantages of using "canned" simulations as a part of an undergraduate economics course. Identifies four advantages of having students develop their own computer simulation models. Outlines the model-building process and displays a sample program. (JDH)

Describes a variety of computer software. The packages reviewed include a variety of simulations, a spread sheet, a printer driver and an alternative operating system for DBM.PCs and compatible programs. (BSR)

Four procedures are discussed for obtaining a confidence interval when answer-until-correct scoring is used in multiple choice tests. Simulated data show that the choice of procedure depends upon sample size. (GDC)

This article offers guidelines to assist simulation developers in maximizing the lifespan of their software products through structured designs and creative attempts at integrating their programs into standard courses. Current efforts to redesign PROJECT SIMULATION, a computer-assisted instructional software package for teaching methodology in…

Discusses a model that demonstrates the value of using computer simulation for planning in the management of a microcomputer resource laboratory. It allows a clear understanding of relationships between possible acquisition decisions and the ability of the laboratory to serve the needs of faculty and students effectively. (JOW)

Describes how electronic games can help students of varying abilities in building hypotheses and in designing and conducting experiments. Reviews two simulation programs and provides suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

Discusses development of an analog simulation program for microcomputers similar to those available on mainframe computers. The program is interactive, more user-friendly than batch mode mainframe simulators in use, and has user help, error detection, and medium resolution graphics for presentation of system responses. (JN)

Computer simulation provides an effective vehicle for teaching many concepts, especially in probability and statistics. Described is a simulation for the applicability of the t distribution to the estimation of a population mean when the standard deviation of the population is unknown. (MNS)

Development of a robot simulation program based on geometric transformation softwares available in most computer graphics systems and program features are described. The program can be extended to simulate robots coordinating with external devices (such as tools, fixtures, conveyors) using geometric transformations to describe the…

A brief package of subroutines (which can be typed in 15 minutes) enables a standard Apple II Plus, IIc, or IIe microcomputer to simulate a pen-plotter. Techniques for using this package in introductory engineering graphics courses are described. A sample program (which draws an oblique line) containing the subroutines is included. (Author/JN)