With the advent of open source virtual environments, the associated cost reductions, and the more flexible options, avatar-based virtual reality environments are within reach of educators. By using and repurposing readily available virtual environments, instructors can bring engaging, community-building, and immersive learning opportunities to…

Do online virtual worlds represent a viable learning environment for higher education? Many Second Life classes resemble their real life equivalents, but some faculty are exploring the potential of virtual worlds for less-traditional teaching. This article describes one such effort, the SUNY Oneonta Music Project, in which faculty and students…

Second Life (SL) is a user-created virtual environment with possible merit for teaching and learning in higher education. In this article, two teacher educators reflect on their initial development in SL, considering the ways they worked within SL to meet their differing instructional needs and the ways they prepared students for these learning…

This study is aimed at presenting a critical overview of recent research studies on the use of educational online games as collaborative learning environments in Tertiary Education (TE), namely higher education and vocational training, with a view to identifying: a) the elements that online games should include in order to support fruitful and…

Describes use of computer-based simulations to evaluate educational and experiential learning as a means of according appropriate credit for clinical nursing courses and facilitating admission and progression within the existing undergraduate curriculum at Ohio State University College of Nursing. (Author/MBR)

Discusses the portability of a Canadian-made educational simulation software package, "The Electronics Workbench," to China that was part of a larger study conducted at the University of Twente (The Netherlands). Evaluation results of the software use in China are presented, including functionality for electronics education, ease of use,…

Describes the use of computer simulations and related computer-based instruction (CBI) lessons on the NovaNET (formerly PLATO) system in the early childhood preservice teacher education program at the University of Georgia. NovaNET lessons are described, statistics generated from user lessons are reported, and implications for teacher education…

Discusses the educational uses of computer games and simulations and describes a study conducted at the State University of New York College at Farmingdale that used the computer game "Sim City 2000." Highlights include whole systems learning, problem solving, student performance, nonparametric statistics, and treatment of experimental…

Describes a microcomputer-based simulation developed to provide elementary teachers-in-training with experiences in realistic instructional interactions with computer-defined students prior to actual classroom encounters. The system's hardware and functional operation are discussed; components of the program's interactional cycles are described;…

Explores the use of computer-based simulations using multimedia materials for a graduate course in school administration. Highlights include simulation applications in military and in business; educational simulations; the use of computers and other technology; production requirements and costs; and time required. (LRW)

Describes features of a second generation computer simulation offering teacher education students realistic experience in maintaining verbal dialog during spelling lessons with computer-defined pupils. Features discussed include lesson content, behavioral sensitivity, cueing during training, and post-lesson debriefing. User evaluations of the…