Reviews the literature concerning practical computer-based simulation systems for the management of construction projects and/or firms and describes a conceptual model of a prototype system that simulates the decision making of construction site management. Research and development required to produce the system for use in industry is discussed.…

Describes a computer-based connectionist-type network model that correctly identified the gender of a set of French nouns, relying solely on information inherent in the nouns' structures, in the absence of explicit rules for evaluating nouns, through discovering criterial gender-specific features through examples of masculine and feminine nouns.…

Discusses methods of browsing in online public access catalogs (OPACs) and describes one method that uses information pertaining to the physical description of books from MARC records to simulate images of books on a library shelf. Electronic browsing through MARC is discussed, and methods of enhancing OPACs are reviewed. (51 references) (LRW)

Discusses model-based simulation for training, explains an object-oriented approach, and describes RAPIDS, an authoring system for the production of interactive graphical models and instruction based on those models. Highlights include intelligent tutoring systems; transaction shells; tools for authoring models; and a course on retinal information…

Discusses instructional gaming and examines the impact of Thomas Malone's theory of intrinsically motivating instruction. Relevant literature is reviewed to establish common threads, and implications of the gaming literature for future study of gaming and instructional design are suggested. (Contains 25 references.) (LRW)

Describes a linguistic analysis computational system that responds to highly complex queries about morphosyntactic and semantic structures contained in large sets of language acquisition data by identifying, displaying, and analyzing sentences that meet the defined linguistic criteria. (30 references) (Author/CB)

The application of operations research and computers is providing school bus routing and scheduling to five California counties. Illustrates the system requirements, steps for computerized calculations, a sample bus assignment report, and three data files. (MLF)

This document describes the construction/simulation software called Stella which can be used in the investigation of dynamic causal models. Topics considered are its built-in perspective of system dynamics and capabilities, its potential drawbacks, and its cognitive implications for educational applications. (JJK)

Describes QMaPS (Qualitative Matching and Prediction system for Simulations), a qualitative reasoning system designed to function as a module in exploratory simulation learning environments. Highlights include a hierarchical organization of variables; multilevel relation typology; modeling of physical and conceptual domain structures; an…

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Provides an overview of issues concerned with the design and use of computer-based simulations. Learning processes are discussed, and the SIMULATE project, which was developed to design an integrated set of authoring tools for the construction of an intelligent simulation learning environment (ISLE), is described. (15 references) (LRW)

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…

Discusses the use of computer simulations in an instructional context and emphasizes the need for learner support. The SIMULATE project (Simulation Authoring Tools Environment) is described, the concept of intelligent simulation learning environments (ISLEs) is explained, and a conceptual framework for articles included in this issue is presented.…

This final report describes a general purpose system for developing intelligent tutors based on the Structural Learning Theory. The report opens with a discussion of the rules and related constructs that underlie cognitive constructs in all structural learning theories. The remainder of the text provides: (1) an introduction to the Structural…

Defines instructional roles of dynamic visual displays (DVDs), including animation and interactive video, and provides guidelines for using them in media-based instruction. Topics addressed include theoretical bases; examples of strategic applications of DVDs; six instructional conditions for using DVDs; and considerations for the design and…