The use and effectiveness of gaming techniques in educational computer software was investigated through an analysis of 170 in-depth evaluations of commercially-available educational computer programs. These evaluations, conducted by the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute, dealt with design attributes relevant to all…

Discussed the game-like atmosphere teachers might want to create for fruitful listening experiences as well as describing illustrative games that can be used for such purposes. (Author/RK)

Eight games and activities are described as designed to stimulate shorthand students by combining fun with challenge. (AG)

Several characteristics of children's play were noted by observing the playground activities of Vietnamese refugee and American children. The Vietnamese children tended to participate in highly structured games while their American peers often chose spontaneous play--games with structures that go beyond or destroy rules. It is suggested that…

This article discusses how developmental and behaviorist learning theories can be used to create educational games. The Piagetian rationale for the use of games is examined and three benefits of gaming are identified: (1) games are related to intellectual, socio-emotional, and motor learning in young children, (2) gaming requires aspects of…

Results are reported of research to test whether a simulation game can be used to identify and to influence the leadership styles practiced by elementary school principals. The design assesses whether principals can become more skillful decisionmakers through heightened awareness of their leadership styles. The research and educational…

This paper is a preliminary proposal to develop the theory and design for "coaches" for computer games, to implement prototypes, and to experiment with their ability to convey important intellectual skills. The focus of this project will be restricted to developing a coach for a single example of an intellectual game called Wumpus. It is…

Desk and chair activities for use with handicapped and nonhandicapped elementary children in the classroom are described. The activities require minimal equipment while providing opportunities for vigorous physical movement. Activities are discussed which feature using the aisles between desks, sitting at the desks, and performing circuit and…

This paper takes the position that toys can significantly modify children's behavior and that considerable care needs to go into the decisions one makes when buying a toy. Toys are regarded as educational aids and sources of potential learning. A given toy can provide a variety of lessons. Such lessons include: (1) learning about the various…

This paper discusses computer simulation as a tool for teaching about phenomena characterized by a problem to be solved, a task or goal to be reached, a procedure to be learned, or an environment to be understood. Simulation is defined and characterized by an examination of both the attributes that are common to simulations, and a taxonomy…