Discusses general structure and specification guidelines for interactive simulation/games, which include development of a computer simulation model, embedding the model in an interactive simulation, and embedding the simulation in a game. An outline following these guidelines is presented for the development of DENTIST, a dental health care…

Defines the term "simulation"; discusses role of instructional simulations, particularly computer-based; describes what constitutes an effective simulation and its appropriate use; and reviews several specific examples of computer simulations, emphasizing nature and quality of student interaction with the model. (MBR)

Describes a package of computer programs developed to implement an oil exploration game that gives undergraduate students practical experience in applying theoretical principles of petroleum geology. The programs facilitate management of the game by the instructor and enhance the learning experience. (Author/MBR)

Proposes use of computer simulations to help students build reading comprehension skills, and describes an existing simulation which requires readers to interact with text to accomplish some purpose. Differences between teaching reading skills with simulations and the way they are traditionally taught, and future potential of reading simulations…

Gaming, an approach to problem solving that engages a real life situation, is a technique particularly appealing for design students because it permits learning about the process of change in a dynamic environment requiring periodic decisions. Two games about consensus decisions are discussed: KEEPS and Senior Center Game. (MLW)

Describes two interactive computer programs that simulate abstract relationships and require students to use inductive reasoning, form and test hypotheses, and analyze functions of systems and the reasoning processes required to understand them. Their development and use in college philosophy of science courses is outlined, and possible future…

Suggestions to help faculty discover ways of achieving interactive, investigatory, and intimate learning environments in large settings are provided. The instructional objective is to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning. (MLW)

Playing simulation games is seen as having obvious educational value with players learning through personal involvement. Several games are described, including Communication Networks, Heating and Air-Conditioning (HAC), Construction Management Game, Semiotics, Awards, Blocks, Would You Like to Be an Architect?, POLIGRIP, and PASS. (MLW)

This module offering an overview of teaching strategies is 1 in a series of 10 modules written for vocational education teacher education programs. It is to supplement the American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials's Category C: Instructional Execution (Modules C-1 through C-30) of the Professional Teacher Education Module Series.…