The director of Northwestern University's Institute for the Learning Sciences describes software that creates simulated environments in which learners focus on skills rather than facts. Also addressed are learning motivation and learning style issues. (SK)

Discussion of integrating computer technology with the case-based approach for teaching school leadership focuses on an overview of project activities and initial findings of one funded multimedia research and development effort, the Administrator Case Simulation Project, to design, develop, and use CD-ROM case simulations as reflective thinking…

Discusses the use of virtual reality as an educational tool. Highlights include examples of virtual reality in public schools that lead to a more active learning process, simulated environments, integrating virtual reality into any curriculum, benefits to teachers and students, and overcoming barriers to implementation. (LRW)

Presents a classroom trial exercise in which student teams representing the plaintiff and defense provide calculations of economic damages. Argues that because the exercise replicates actual activities by economists in trial settings, it is a credible exercise for motivating economics students in general and pre-law students in particular. (DSK)

Special education uses three types of computer-based instruction software: drill and practice, tutorials, and computer simulation. Assistive technology applications (electronic communication devices, voice-activated software, and print readers) are available for students whose disabilities do not allow them to perform functional tasks…

Discusses the use of constructive modeling and virtual simulation in team training; describes a military application of constructive modeling, including technology issues and communication protocols; considers possible improvements; and discusses applications in team-learning environments other than military, including industry and education. (LRW)

Proposes the use of simulations to develop oral-language skills in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language classroom. Simulations allow students to interact in meaningful and realistic contexts and generate their own discourse. (Author/VWL)

Highlights changes brought on by computers and technological advancement and notes that only those with a vision of the future can direct and participate in the evolution of education. Suggests that virtual reality, simulation, animation and other computer-based features will render traditional class learning futile and that computerized education…

A study investigated whether rotating three-dimensional objects using virtual reality would affect flexible thinking in 14 children (ages 8-11) with hearing impairments. Children played virtual 3-D Tetris individually, 15 minutes once weekly over 3 months. Before-and-after testing showed significantly improved flexible thinking in the experimental…

Describes a study that examined high school students' ethical reasoning in the context of their participation in a computer simulation of a workplace environment. Includes opportunities for ethical decision-making, classroom observation of participating students, and responses to hypothetical ethical dilemmas. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the needs, problems, advantages, disadvantages, and solutions in the use of new technologies in a specific context such as engineering education. Finds that lecturers in scientific subjects believe that the technical subjects benefit greatly from the ability to teach with technology, but logistical problems especially prevent the use of…

Offers suggestions on ways to use computers to individualize instruction for gifted students including drill and practice, simulation programs, independent research, creative projects, organization of data, and development of presentations. (DB)

States that constructive thinking about variables seems to be a key to accelerated learning in science and that computer modeling can enable this. A taped sequence of a group in the exploratory use of a model reveals the potential of such activity. (Author/ASK)

Discusses opportunities for interactive learning on the World Wide Web for elementary and secondary school students. Highlights include active learning Web sites; telecollaborative learning; simulations; tools and resources; technology issues; small group collaboration; student privacy; and an annotated bibliography of applicable Web sites. (LRW)

A lack of gender-sensitive computer games exacerbates female disinterest in technology. Girls-only focus groups revealed phenomena that may help software developers awaken girls' enthusiasm for computing. For instance, girls placed a premium on richly textured video and audio, on collaborating rather than competing, on interacting with male…