Describes a computer simulation, CACTUS, that was developed in the United Kingdom to help police with command and control training for large crowd control incidents. Use of the simulation for pre-event planning and decision making is discussed, debriefing is described, and the role of the trainer is considered. (LRW)

Describes TECH 2000, a permanent gallery of interactive multimedia applications contributed by manufacturers and producers of multimedia systems. Located in Washington, DC, the gallery includes examples of multimedia technology in the areas of arts and culture, new technology, interactive training, educational tutorials, community information,…

A mechanical analogy between the microscopic motion of a charged carrier in an ordinary resistor and the macroscopic motion of a ball falling along a slanted board covered with a lattice of nails is introduced. The Drude model is also introduced to include the case of inelastic collisions. Computer simulation of the motion is described. (KR)

By identifying and weighing the effects of an act on each constituency, a matrix based on John Stuart Mill's theories of utilitarianism illuminates and helps resolve complex ethical dilemmas. Application of the approach is illustrated with a simulated case study concerning the issue of reputation in a small private college. (Author/MSE)

Describes an experiment used to demonstrate basic physics concepts regarding acoustic waves used by oceanographers to obtain seabed profiles. (ZWH)

Describes accomplishments of the Global Systems Analysis and Simulation (GLOSAS) project from 1973 to the present, including a system for global peace gaming. The capabilities of interactive multimedia to link people across political and geographic boundaries for joint study, debate, research, planetary problem solving, and political action are…

Systems dynamics, a computer-based tool for visualizing how parts of an organization work together over time, is a valuable tool in administrative decision making. Feedback loops among elements mimic complicated behavior in real or imagined situations. An experiment using the technique with a simple research funding model validated its utility.…

Discussion of virtual reality (VR) focuses on the promise that VR offers for information systems by describing current systems which use VR and by projecting possible developments for the future. Types of information problems which could be helped by VR are considered, as well as those that could not be helped. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

A Philadelphia third-grade class uses a classroom economy simulation to explore real-world situations, which provides opportunities for meaningful application of academic skills, role exploration, separation of academic success from "acting White," questioning of reality, experience of economic success, and the ability to perceive social…

Hypermedia computer-based education (HCBE) is described and research on its instructional effectiveness is examined, including the relevance of several learning theories and instructional strategies. It is proposed that HCBE in social work education can emulate the dynamic, iterative learning process of knowledge acquisition, testing, and…

Considers the role and effectiveness of virtual reality in simulation-based training. The theoretical and practical implications of verity, integration, and natural versus artificial interface are discussed; a three-dimensional classification scheme for virtual reality is described; and the relationship between virtual reality and other…

Describes a game developed by concerned students from the University of Manitoba to simulate the world's environment and development. Includes how the 1,100 square foot map was made, how props to complement the map were collected, and a description of the first simulation with 80 high school students. (MDH)

Three heuristic methods of assessing the dimensionality of binary item pools were evaluated in a Monte Carlo investigation. The indices were based on (1) the local independence of unidimensional tests; (2) patterns of second-factor loadings derived from simplex theory; and (3) the shape of the curve of successive eigenvalues. (SLD)

A method is presented for estimating the item characteristic curve (ICC) using polynomial regression splines. Estimation of spline ICCs is described by maximizing the marginal likelihood formed by integrating ability over a beta prior distribution. Simulation results compare this approach with the joint estimation of ability and item parameters.…

Describes a semester-long simulation based on experiential learning called CO-MADE, which was developed to train teachers in syllabus design and instructional materials development. Simulation design is discussed, and use of the simulation in a postgraduate training program for students wishing to become teachers of English to speakers of other…