The authors present a constructivist approach for teaching game theory, on the basis, in part, of Axelrod's research approach. Using the Axelrod tournament multi-user system (ATMUS) software, students create strategies for a repeated prisoner's dilemma (RPD). Later, these strategies are matched with those of their classmates' in a classroom…

Question and answer format concludes a series of articles on computing. (Editor)

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…

Described is the computer simulation program "PH." The program consists of three different laboratory investigations dealing with the pH specificity of enzymes. The purpose of the program is to enable tenth- to twelfth-grade students to determine a possible explanation for pH specificity in an experimental, but mathematical, fashion.…

Described is the population growth computer model "POP." This program is designed to allow a student with little mathematical background to explore various simple mathematical models of population growth. Student exercises revolve around the growth of a gypsy-moth population. Three variations of population modeling are included in POP:…

Outlines two traditions in the field of computer simulation, one focusing upon the character of the software within the computer, the other focusing upon the exercise outside the computer which the software is supporting. Topics discussed include mathematical modeling, gaming, information retrieval, decision monitoring, and applications in…

Described is the computer model "MALAR" which deals with malaria and its eradication. A computer program allows the tenth- to twelfth-grade student to attempt to control a malaria epidemic. This simulation provides a context within which to study the biological, economic, social, political, and ecological aspects of a classic world…

Identifies a Web site providing information about stock market simulations for high school economics courses. Divides the information into two tables: (1) the structure of online stock market games; and (2) the determination of portfolio values of online stock market games. States that changes and updates are available at Web sites. (JEH)

Changes in the design and implementation of instructional simulations on the PLATO IV system have evolved in the direction of more explanation, evaluation, and streamlined simulation. Student pressure to use their own problem solving processes, the practical system limitations of producing environmentally complex simulations, and student confusion…

Described is the use of the computer model "BUFLO." BUFLO is a simulation which allows students to study the historical and biological reasons for the extinction of the buffalo. BUFLO simulates the natural life cycle of the buffalo and allows the student to manipulate harvesting policies to reach certain goals outlined in the student handbook.…

Discussion of the interaction between students and computers focuses on an evaluation of simulation-based learning with medical students in order to develop a framework for a dialog-based support system. It is based on a dialog analysis that employs transactional analysis and logical dialog game theory. (Author/LRW)

This study investigated the development and evaluation of a computer-augmented science learning game model, through the implementation of a specific game derived from the game model. Formative evaluation strategies were synthesized from two existing evaluation procedures and were tested and applied to the learning resource under development. As a…

Presented are instructions for the use of "TAG," a model for estimating animal population in a given area. The computer program asks the student to estimate the number of bass in a simulated farm pond using the technique of tagging and recovery. The objective of the simulation is to teach principles for estimating animal populations when they…

Presented are instructions for the use of "RATS," a model simulating the dynamics of a rat population in either a city or an apartment house. The student controls the conditions of growth and sets the points at which the computer program prints reports. The rat population is controlled by variables including garbage levels selected for the site,…

METRO-APEX is a computer based gaming simulation in which students study a large urban city and its surroundings by playing the roles of city and county politicians, industrialists, environmental control officials, city planners, land developers, and labor groups. METRO-APEX was played once a week for five weeks as part of one credit course in…