Examines which skills students develop through social studies and how technology can help elementary students strengthen them. Important skills include understanding and using locational and directional terms and developing research, thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, and reading skills. Technology skill-builders include telecommunications…

Suggested computer programs for teaching about the 1992 election include a package of four social studies programs with an election year theme, a simulation in which students act as the incumbent president and solve various problems, and an interactive program with news clips, stills, and data from the 1988 elections. (SM)

Describes a microcomputer-based digital video course that uses virtual reality to teach the code inspection (i.e., formal software technical review) process. Use of virtual reality for group process activities that involve interpersonal and group dynamic skills is discussed, and research indicating that realism improves course effectiveness is…

An extension is proposed for the network algorithm introduced by C.R. Mehta and N.R. Patel to construct exact tail probabilities for testing the general hypothesis that item responses are distributed according to the Rasch model. A simulation study indicates the efficiency of the algorithm. (SLD)

Describes efforts to modernize the firefighting training facilities of the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom through the use of computer-controlled simulations of ship fires. The structure of a prototype compartment and the control system that sets up various training scenarios and modulates the environment in response to actions by the trainees…

The HyperCard-based computer-assisted instructional environment described--called the Virtual Computer (VC)--uses simulation to help learners acquire basic concepts about the functioning of computers. Discussion of the instructional design of the program includes Elaboration Theory, four learning phases, use of metaphors and analogies, other…

An exemplar-based model of social judgment is presented in which specific past experiences and more abstract schematic knowledge influence judgments and perceptions of people and groups. Computer simulations illustrate the way the model accounts for social influences on exemplar access and use and on the content of social judgments. (SLD)

Describes a set of six instructional simulation games in economics. Identifies simulation goals as increasing students' understanding of economic variables and political policy issues and enabling students to question, express views, and hold decision makers accountable. Suggests that by increasing economic awareness, the games will promote the…

A model-based modification of the standardization index based on a multidimensional item response theory bias modeling approach is presented that detects and estimates differential item functioning (DIF) (item bias) simultaneously for several items as well as differential test functioning (DTF). This SIBTEST procedure is tested through a computer…

Research has shown that learning is most effective when job-related. The ideal solution for many young students would be work-study programs or apprenticeships that closely relate learning and experience. Industry stresses the need for a fourth "R" beyond the basic literacy skills--readiness for change. Computer simulation programs may help enrich…

Discusses the use of educational technology for science and math instruction in elementary and secondary schools through conversations with six curriculum specialists and administrators. Highlights include the use of IBM and Macintosh hardware and software; hand-held computers; integrated learning systems; math workstations; computer simulations;…

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

Ignorance of the characteristics of a mixed population may lead to bias in a summary measure of a phenomenon. A test based on sample kurtosis is demonstrated by a simulation study to be more powerful than six other known tests in detecting a class of mixed normal distributions. (SLD)

Combining Rasch and latent class models is presented as a way to overcome deficiencies and retain the positive features of both. An estimation algorithm is outlined, providing conditional maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters for each class. The model is illustrated with simulated data and real data (n=869 adults). (SLD)

Contends that microcomputers were introduced into the social studies classrooms to teach higher order thinking skills. Maintains that computers can aid in teaching both process and content. Reviews new computer software programs and points out each programs' educational objectives and problems. Contends microcomputers are an invaluable tool of…