Uses of microcomputers in higher education are discussed, including their general use in the liberal arts and simulations in the humanities. Examples of and issues related to requiring students to purchase microcomputers are also discussed; one study indicates that it may be wrong to require all students to make such purchases. (JN)

PuFT computer program (Microsoft Basic) is designed to help in understanding/interpreting pulmonary function tests (PFT). The program provides predicted values for common PFT after entry of patient data, calculates/plots graph simulating force vital capacity (FVC), and allows observations of effects on predicted PFT values and FVC curve when…

Describes a study which investigated the effectiveness of a simulation-gaming method of instruction to teach a college level introductory economics course. Also investigated were the interaction effects between student characteristics and the simulation-game as well as the lecture-discussion methods of instruction. (RM)

Simulation games are instructional techniques which create a social environment in which participants become involved with whatever resources they have. Discusses: (1) definitions of game, simulation, simulation game, and role playing; (2) advantages/disadvantages of simulation games; and (3) grading simulation games. (Author/JN)

Three basic approaches to dealing with political processes in the secondary classroom are described: (1) questions requiring reflection on personal out-of-classroom experience; (2) simulation of group political decision-making that leads to vicarious suffering; and (3) moving towards real "here and now" consequences of group tyranny. (RM)

Reports on the coordinated efforts of editing, reporting, and advertising students in publishing a newspaper fashioned after "The New York Times." (HOD)

Discusses educational applications of computer simulation and model building for grades K to 8, with emphasis on the usefulness of the computer simulation language, micro-DYNAMO, for programing and understanding the models which help to explain social and natural phenomena. A new textbook for junior-senior high school students is noted. (EAO)

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

A teaching eye model that allows the medical student to learn the hand-eye coordination and associated thinking patterns that allow for a more sophisticated use of the ophthalmoscope is described. The eye teaching model attempted to simulate the features found in the eye of a real patient. (MLW)

Describes three case studies of the Huntington II POLUT model, which was run on both the University of Waikato computer system and a bank of four TRS-80s. Prospects for the development of computer based environmental education in New Zealand are also discussed. (LLS)

Reports the results of a study that examined interaction effects between student characteristics and the simulation-game as well as the lecture-discussion methods of instruction among freshman business administration students enrolled in an introductory economics course. (AM)

The Simulated Minority Admissions Exercise, an educational technique that simulates a typical medical school admissions situation, is described. The main objective is to help medical schools to select potentially successful minority applicants and to improve their retention by ensuring that they enter medical school under positive circumstances.…

Two versions of an instructional program designed to teach student nurses to perform intravenous infusions--a no-practice version and a more costly individual practice version with simulated arms--were developed using systematic development procedures. Two separate studies compared the effectiveness of the two versions; four references are listed.…

The authors describe a simulation game for gifted children which involves three factions--government, business, and labor--who have to come to agreement on questions, contracts, and environmental controls. Sections outline pregame activities, statement of the problem, game objectives, the scenario, characters and their goals, procedures, and…

Discusses the use of the Guided Design teaching method to teach college-level Latin American geography. This method allows the analysis of spatial patterns and processes and critical-thinking skills. (AM)