This paper describes a demonstration of an instructional package consisting of original, interactive microcomputer-based simulations and accompanying faculty and student guides designed to assist in teaching introductory psychology. An Apple IIe computer and color monitor were used. The paper contains: (1) a purpose statement; (2) a brief summary…

This discussion of the use of microcomputer software in a medical school class for the purposes of emulating oral examinations begins by stating the three major goals of testing in medical school. The limitations of multiple choice tests and oral examinations are then discussed, and the use and suitability of computers to administer and to avoid…

Monte Carlo simulation is a computer modeling procedure for mimicking observations on a random variable. A random number generator is used in generating the outcome for the events that are being modeled. The simulation can be used to obtain results that otherwise require extensive testing or complicated computations. This paper describes how Monte…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers to simulate complex situations for classroom use describes the advantages of using simulations, including their adaptability to many subject areas and content fields, their power to explain complex concepts, and their ability to provide variations for individual users. As an example, seven objectives…

This study focuses on the effectiveness of "Solutions Unlimited," a computer software program developed to teach problem solving to middle level students. Fifty-one fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (21 girls and 30 boys) attending a private school in a small mid-west community were the subjects for this experiment; none had received…

The use of computers in the classroom has been touted as an important innovation in education. This article features some recently developed software for use in teaching psychology and different approaches to classroom computer use. Uses of software packages for psychological research designs are included as are applications and limitations of…

Research indicates that there are numerous opportunities for educators to use computer technology in ways which are developmentally appropriate and which support or enhance preschool children's natural motivation to explore and discover. Since many of the misconceptions about preoperational cognition that form the basis for serious objections to…

This paper addresses the numerous ways that computers may be used to enhance the teaching of accounting and business topics. It focuses on the pedagogical use of spreadsheet software to improve the conceptual coverage of accounting principles and practice, increase student understanding by involvement in the solution process, and reduce the amount…

Geographers in the United States rely heavily on microcomputers. They employ microcomputers to enhance three general categories of tasks: word processing and other productivity needs, geographic instruction, and discipline-specific applications. Word processing and desktop publishing continue to be the primary uses of microcomputers by…

Provides examples which illustrate how microcomputers can facilitate various aspects of chemistry instruction, focusing on computer assisted instruction (CAI) and on the simulation of chemistry experiments. Brief comments on writing CAI programs are also included. (JN)

This document reports an experiment designed to assess the effects of learner control over the level of challenge in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and collect data that will guide the design of future learner control experiments. The subjects were 78 undergraduate students in the College of Education at a large public university. The CAI…

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of using 3 simulators with 14 computer science majors enrolled in an undergraduate computer architecture course. Three ability groups (high, medium, and low) were formed based on the students' quality point averages for prior computer science courses. Analyses of data from a pretest, a…

Achieving enrollment goals continues to be a major administrative concern in higher education. Enrollment management can be assisted through the use of computerized planning and forecast models. Although commercially available Markov transition type curve fitting models have been developed and used, a microcomputer-based decision planning model…

This paper explores the role of computerized simulations as a decision-modeling intervention strategy, and views the strategy's different attribute biases based upon the varying primary missions of instruction versus application. The common goals associated with computer simulations as a training technique are discussed and compared with goals of…

This paper describes three computer-based simulators developed to support an undergraduate computer architecture course. Using a hypermedia authoring package, a simulator was created for each of the three course content areas: (1) introduction of the hypothetical computer structure--contains a tutorial, a quiz, and a simple program that presents…