This paper explores and discusses arguments for the use of virtual environments and interactive avatars in supporting the achievement of student learning goals within conventional educational contexts. It describes and evaluates arguments promoted by some authors (eg, van den Brekel, 2007; Deuchar & Nodder, 2003; Dickey, 2003; Facer, 2004; de…

Summary descriptions of selected urban simulations and games that have been developed outside the Institute For The Future are presented. The operating characteristics and potential applications of each model are described. These include (1) the history of development, (2) model and player requirements, (3) a description of the environment being…

This book chronicles the story of sports among American Indians. Part 1 examines the nature and role of games in traditional Indian life, with five chapters on: Indian concepts of sport; ball games; foot racing; other sports; children's play; and games of chance. Part 2 looks at the emergence of Indians in modern sport, with five chapters on:…

The game of "Life" can be easily adapted for play by small groups and can be used in classroom activities. (SD)

Games and puzzles in which a checkerboard can be used to develop mathematical concepts are described. (SD)

Some simple word games are suggested to aid in teaching foreign languages at the elementary level. (CK)

The Academic Game, considered a valuable exercise for academics and administrators in investigating some of the problems of decision-making and possible ways of facilitating organizational decisions, is described. The major objective of the game is to achieve on agreed promotion policy. The roles and organization structure are designed to ensure…

This guide describes 38 activities appropriate for grades K-12. Each activity contains a brief description of the activity and a list of materials needed. The second section of the guide contains environmental learning games to be played in the classroom. These games include: crossword puzzles, cryptograms, logic problems, card games, and…

APEX is a computerized gaming simulation; it is also the name of an interdisciplinary course in environmental problems in urban areas introduced at the School of Health Science, Hunter College of the City University of New York. In the course, students assume the roles of decision makers in both the private and public sectors. They receive data…

Games, activities and worksheets prepared by pilot teachers in a workshop on study skills for elementary school children are compiled. Introductory remarks explain the study skills component of the Wisconsin Design for Reading Development, discuss implementation of the program, and list pertinent materials and resources. The games, activities, and…

Educational games can make the English classroom a giant playground for natural language opportunities. Some of the games include (1) the use of the animate-inanimate switch for a unit on the language of advertising, where the students use two decks of word cards (one for nouns and the other for adjectives), the purpose being to match the…

An introduction for teachers to Tools for Change, a new course in problem-solving, is provided by this sourcebook. The major assumptions and rationale underlying the course are explained and the most significant concepts involved--such as heuristics and problem-solving--are scrutinized. Examples of problems and process-oriented problem-solving are…

The "Chemistry Card Game" for teaching stoichiometry of inorganic precipitation and ionic complex reactions is described in the first article of this UNESCO newsletter. The game is played with 106 cards consisting of 19 kinds of cations, 14 kinds of anions, and one kind of molecules (NH3). Included are the instructions for making the…

The articles on simulation in education collected here include a primer on simulation, an introduction to the virtues of gaming, and examinations of the role of simulation in teaching geography, computer programing, international relations, and in teacher education. A consideration of the use of media in simulation and a discussion of crisis…