Discusses a laboratory exercise simulating the paths of light rays through spherical water drops by applying principles of ray optics and geometry. Describes four parts: determining the output angles, computer simulation, explorations, model testing, and solutions. Provides a computer program and some diagrams. (YP)

Describes a class activity demonstrating the reality of revolution to introductory political science students. Student "plants" rebel against a teacher's "injustice," overthrow the teacher when he calls on a higher authority, and mobilize the class to sign a petition. Follow-up discussion covers elements required for revolution. (LS)

Presents a world climate simulation game in which students demonstrate knowledge of the Koppen System of Climate Classification, ability to read and interpret a climograph, and ability to locate places by means of longitude and latitude coordinates in an effort to locate a ring of spies who have planted a bomb in an unidentified city. Clues and…

Focuses upon classroom presentation of issues related to the Fourth Amendment of U.S. Constitution. Presents a description of a drug test case simulation (D. Hess); a case involving drug testing in the public sector which is to be heard by the Supreme Court (L. Mandell); and other teaching strategies (D. Hess). Provides a guide for finding Supreme…

In applying I. I. Bejar's method for detecting the dimensionality of achievement tests, researchers should be cautious in interpreting the slope of the principal axis. Other information from the data is needed in conjunction with Bejar's method of addressing item dimensionality. (SLD)

A method of assessing rater reliability via a design of overlapping rater teams is presented. Covariances or correlations of ratings can be analyzed with LISREL models. Models in which the rater reliabilities are congeneric, tau-equivalent, or parallel can be tested. Two examples based on essay ratings are presented. (TJH)

A study assessed the effects of three teaching strategies that incorporated a microcomputer component: (1) tutorial, (2) drill and practice, and (3) simulation. Each strategy was compared with one another and with the traditional lecture/discussion method. Student achievement and attitudes were essentially equal in all four methods. (JOW)

Hearing-impaired high school students created a simulated world where sign language was the dominant mode of communication, and role-played such careers as doctors, bankers, and police officers. Hearing students were invited to visit this simulated world and found how inaccessible various facilities and services were to people without sign…

The stability of psychometric "g," the general factor of intelligence, is investigated in simulated correlation matrices and in typical empirical data from a large battery of mental tests. "G" is robust and almost invariant across methods of analysis. A reasonable strategy for estimating "g" is suggested. (SLD)

Recounts personal experiences in the design of simulations/gaming for city development and planning. Notes early games and describes the development of three land use and city growth games. Discusses revisions, conference demonstrations of the games, and collaborative efforts. (AEF)

Analyzes shortcomings of computer monitors, including one-way communication and organization of the monitor display, when they are used with multimedia in open learning environments. Solutions are described according to the concepts and theories developed by Min, Koopal, Gritter, Struyker, Boudier, Coleman, Miltenburg, and Van Schaick Zillesen…

Describes the design and development of training materials to encourage the use of telecommunications by Florida teachers that was funded by the Florida Department of Education. Topics addressed include the need for training materials; electronic mail; booklets; computer tutorials/simulation; the use of HyperCard; and results of an effectiveness…

Describes virtual reality (VR) technology and VR research on education and training. Focuses on immersion as the key added value of VR, analyzes cognitive variables connected to immersion, how it is generated in synthetic environments and its benefits. Discusses value of tracked, immersive visual displays over nonimmersive simulations. Contains 78…

A dynamic simulation model, using census data, was used to examine child health policy initiatives for the prevention of mental retardation. Results suggested that reducing the proportion of children living in poverty would be more effective in reducing the incidence of mental retardation than medical interventions to improve outcomes for low…

The power of the nonparametric person-fit statistic, U3, is investigated through simulations as a function of item characteristics, test characteristics, person characteristics, and the group to which examinees belong. Results suggest conditions under which relatively short tests can be used for person-fit analysis. (SLD)