An exercise to teach medical students counseling skills for promoting change in health-related behaviors using trained patient instructors and immediate feedback was found to be more effective than using simulated patients and videotaped interviews. (MSE)

Discusses use of computer simulations for instruction at the middle-school level, especially in history and geography. Reports on a case study of a large middle school's response to technology over a 3-year period. The study focuses on the simulation program "Mary Rose," a shipwreck salvaging simulation. (Author/CH)

Suggests use of instructional theory to generate criteria for evaluating microcomputer courseware and describes one approach to its use. This approach identifies skills that the three courseware types--drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation--can teach, and then selects the instructional theory that most specifically addresses the identified…

Suggests using a "bed of nails" (array of nails on a board) as a resistance demonstration where steel balls pass through the lattice of nails like electrons through metal. Although weaknesses of Drude's electrical conduction model are noted, the activity is recommended since it clearly illustrates drift velocity. (DH)

The effects of four different endodontic self-instructional review formats (slide-tape, latent-image simulation, computer text simulation, and computer-assisted video interactive simulation) on senior clinical endodontic performance are compared. Student evaluations, as well as comparative developmental expenditures, are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Designed to determine the number of business simulation game users in universities and the business community, this study is based on a survey of business school deans and faculty and business and consulting firms. Results indicate fairly high current usage with good potential for further growth. (LRW)

Despite the difficulties involved in developing and using noncognitive measures, they constitute an essential component of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. Six noncognitive methods are discussed: observable performance measures, self-report measures, consensus-rendering techniques, inventories, simulations, and secondary data…

Describes an interactive video system of animated programs developed at Stanford University that enables drama students to design and stage their own versions of scenes, and learn about the theatrical process quickly and inexpensively. The discussion covers the development of the programs and examples of their implementation. (CLB)

Seven data sets (namely, clinical data on children) were subjected to clustering by seven algorithms--the B-coefficient, Linear Typal Analysis; elementary linkage analysis, Numerical Taxonomy System, Statistical Analysis System hierarchical clustering method, Taxonomy, and Bolz's Type Analysis. The little-known B-coefficient method compared…

Lists key topics considered in four discussion groups at a working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in 1987. Topics include effective teacher education; introducing new technology; teacher behavior; lack of software; simulation programs; program evaluations; and the information and…

Examined the feasibility of using two microcomputer simulations to improve preservice elementary teachers performance in the formation and testing of hypotheses. Considers the effects of mode of computer instruction and cooperation on the acquisition of skills. (CW)

Describes a microcomputer-based software package, Online Search Tutor (OST), which is designed to teach users online bibliographic searching. Modeled on software previously developed for the European Space Agency Information Retrieval Services (ESA-IRS), OST includes a database of 600 bibliographic records which will simulate actual search…

Literature concerning the validity and reliability of both written and computer-based simulations in assessing clinical competence in the health professions is reviewed, and suggestions are given for the improvement of the psychometric qualities of simulation-based tests. (MSE)

Delineates the differences between simulators and training devices, and discusses the possibility of inadequate training when simulators are used as training devices. Guidelines for appropriate training device development using a behavioral learning approach are presented. (13 references) (CLB)

Presents a simulation which examines the complexities of governmental machinery and the government's decision-making process. As the first in the American Foreign Policy Simulations series, this exercise in negotiation and compromise seeks to explore the potency of official roles in contrast to belief systems in foreign policymaking. (GEA)