This paper discusses some of the problems of evaluating educational games and simulations, and illustrates them with examples taken from the author's experiences with an economic policy game. (VT)

By using CITY MODEL, a computer simulation of an urban environment, an undergraduate class can study, simultaneously, aspects of the urban system itself, the art of computer simulation, and the very general problem of "modeling" social systems. (Authors/JA)

A game that simulates stages in the innovation diffusion process and allows research into the spatial and temporal spread of innovations is reported. The characteristis of player decision-making and factors underlying variation in the spatial patterning of diffusion are also discussed.

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…

Describes a computer game used in an introductory experimental psychology class which simulates in a few months the activities of years of effort in a research laboratory. Ideas on developing new computer based simulation games are included. (Author/JJD)

Describes a study to determine the existence and extent of differences in the ways men and women perceive simulation exercises. From the data presented, it is concluded that there do seem to be important sex-based differences. Sixteen references are listed. (LLS)

Describes five statistical simulation programs developed at Wichita State University--Coin Flip and Raindrop, which demonstrate the binomial, Poisson, and other related distributions; Optimal Search; QSIM; and RANDEV, a random deviate generation program. Advantages of microcomputers over mainframes and the educational uses of models are noted.…

Describes a computer curriculum for 7- to 12-year-old children which is designed to integrate the computer into multiple subject areas and stimulate the development and sharpening of critical-thinking skills. The course is divided into eight conceptual units, each containing educational computer games or simulations and some related off-line…

Describes the primary design criteria and the classroom activities involved in "The Yellow Light Problem," a minicourse on decision making in the secondary school Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program in California. Activities include lectures, discussions, science and math labs, computer labs, and development…

Describes the construction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and simulation programs that use public domain and shareware programs to simulate economic controversies. Limitations of economics education are discussed, alternative curriculum development that utilizes controversies is explored, and the application of this CAI model to other…

Description of WQM, a simulation game designed to introduce students to the water quality management function, emphasizes the decision-making process involved in various facets of business. The simulation model is described, computer support is explained, and issues in water resource management are discussed. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes a pilot investigation that used a computer-based total enterprise simulation as a research methodology for studying management decision making with students in an MBA program. Discussion of performance criteria highlights return on investment (ROI) as the best measure of group performance, and future research needs are suggested. (eight…

Reviews the development of integrated business policy and strategic management courses, or capstone courses, in business school curricula. A simulation game is described that incorporates the need for computer literacy, decision support systems (DSS), and interaction to effectively meet the needs for a capstone course. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of simulations in teacher education from 1960 to 1979, which was audiovisually based, and from 1980 to the present, which is computer based. Examples of several simulation strategies are presented and evaluated, and factors that will shape future developments are discussed. (67 references) (CLB)