Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when items on a test or questionnaire have different measurement properties for one group of people versus another, irrespective of group-mean differences on the construct. Methods for testing DIF require matching members of different groups on an estimate of the construct. Preferably, the estimate is…

In Ramsay-curve item response theory (RC-IRT), the latent variable distribution is estimated simultaneously with the item parameters. In extant Monte Carlo evaluations of RC-IRT, the item response function (IRF) used to fit the data is the same one used to generate the data. The present simulation study examines RC-IRT when the IRF is imperfectly…

A discussion of a game quality--integrity--a term the author defines as everything used in a game and which should embody the central concept. (HB)

A brief discussion of the differences between the design of simulation games and the difficulty of development of games is presented. (HB)

Suggestions for conducting an instructional game or simulation. (Author)

Presents nine steps for game design, and discusses why particular formats were used in the design of five games: CONRAIL Railroad Deregulation, Montauk Exercise, Geothermal Energy, Simulated Nutrition System, and Human Settlement. (CMV)

An annotated list of resources is provided for persons beginning to explore seriously the potential of simulation/gaming for enhancing instruction. (Author/STS)

The Enaction Curriculum is the framework used to develop curriculum for a total school program for gifted children ages 3 to 10 at the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Enaction Curriculum is based on Enaction Theory of Thinking with a focus on domain specific knowledge. (Author/CL)

The fourteenth in a series of profiles documenting experiences with the use of instructional technology describes the way an entire course can be shaped around a single game. Projects established to promote and support gaming and sources for more information on the subject are also presented. (Author/MLF)

A brief history of the use of games and simulations as educational tools is followed by illustrations of academic games and an analysis of their effectiveness. (JD)

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…

Discusses some mathematical games concerning the packing of squares. (HM)

This discussion of the use of games and simulations in instruction includes a number of examples of activities that can be used in the community college classroom. Section I assesses the value of games and simulations as an approach to learning; defines games, simulations, and non-simulation games; considers the advantages and disadvantages of the…

Studies the extent to which the effectiveness of instructional gaming in learning specific mathematical ideas can be increased by incorporating devices that channel learners' attention upon those ideas. In particular, the effect of channeling attention by changing the method of scoring is explored. (Author/CMV)

Presents ten propositions for increasing the likelihood that simulation game participants will learn to make more adequate decisions as a result of game play. (CMV)