This article offers guidelines to assist simulation developers in maximizing the lifespan of their software products through structured designs and creative attempts at integrating their programs into standard courses. Current efforts to redesign PROJECT SIMULATION, a computer-assisted instructional software package for teaching methodology in…

Discusses the use of the microcomputer as an instructional tool in the domain of competitive decision making. Describes how visual interactive zero-sum/nonzero-sum games can be useful in teaching this subject. Compares student performances based on the visual interactive approach to those of traditional approaches. (GEA)

This article outlines issues and practices related to the philosophy of simulations and the relationship between traditional simulation techniques and computer technology. Introduces the articles in this special issue and concludes by discussing various problems related to computer simulation, modeling, design, and evaluation. (Author/BSR)

Describes how the International Futures Global Model (IFS) was developed for education and theory building. States that the model represents global demographic, agricultural, energy, and economic systems. Describes the two existing versions: a smaller one developed specifically for microcomputers and a larger one initially developed for mainframe…

Investigates the growing popularity of computerized economic modeling as a computer-assisted instructional aid and the associated educational benefits. Provides an overview of current modeling, simulation, and econometrics programs and attempts to identify trends in computer-assisted instruction in economics. (Author/GEA)

Addresses the utility of a dialog between technical support staff and faculty interested in using computer technologies in their classrooms and discusses experiences at Carleton College (Minnesota). Topics include preparing for technical innovation; goals and pedagogy; suggestions for implementation; and the campus environment. (Author/LRW)

Reports on the software that aids the development of experiments and simulations. Explores pedagogical and research applications as well as the general technical structure of the software. (Author/BSR)

This paper describes a rationale for the construction and use of a simple consistency model of the Zimbabwean economy that incorporates an input-output matrix. The model is designed to investigate alternative industrial strategies and their consequences for the balance of payments, consumption, and overall gross domestic product growth for a…

Describes a world model computer simulation which is characteristic of the nineteenth-century world system, with five large, five medium, and 10 small nations. States that the simulation can only follow one of three distinct strategies to maximize growth. (Author/BSR)

Discusses the potential of using microcomputer-generated thematic maps as data presentation and research tools. Attempts to provide an understanding of map types used for research, the process of creating maps on microcomputers, and the capabilities of available software. Presents graphic images of five thematic maps types. (Author/ GEA)

Presents a framework for using spreadsheet software (Lotus 1 2 3) on a microcomputer to develop statistical procedure templates for teaching statistical concepts. Provides an overview of traditional computer-based statistical applications, an outline for teaching-oriented statistical applications with illustrations, and suggestions for integrating…

Describes the creation of Web-based multipurpose multimedia databases concerned with the Supreme Court and other historically and politically significant institutions, events, and actors. Addresses four evaluation questions on whether the database will help less-skilled students; help bright students and scholars improve their understanding and…

Users and nonusers of Web-based instruction (WBI) in an undergraduate statistics classes at Youngstown State University were surveyed. Users concluded that distance learning via the Web was a good method of obtaining general information and useful tool in improving their academic performance. Nonusers thought the university should provide…