Discusses applications of microcomputers to: (1) presentation of the content of humanities courses, especially computer assisted instruction and simulation programs; and (2) science, technology and society courses to reinforce points about limitations and appropriate uses of computers. Examples of computer programs used to facilitate these…

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Describes the use of computer graphics simulations to enhance student understanding of sampling distributions that arise in introductory statistics. Highlights include the distribution of sample proportions, the distribution of the difference of sample means, the distribution of the difference of sample proportions, and the distribution of sample…

Provides examples of the use of computer simulation to help beginners develop a grasp for difficult statistical concepts. The implementation of this teaching methodology is discussed and analysis of simulation output through use of standard statistical software packages is illustrated. (Author/MBR)

Describes use of computer simulation which generates bird songs so that students can analyze song motifs and sequences as an introduction to descriptive analysis of behavior in an animal behavior course. Advantages of the simulation are discussed together with computer hardware/software needed and data presentation, analysis, and generation…

Describes a series of computer programs that use simulation and gaming techniques to present the basic principles of the central dogma of molecular genetics, mutation, and the genetic code. A history of discoveries in molecular biology is presented and the evolution of these computer assisted instructional programs is described. (MBR)

Discusses an algorithm for developing problem solving simulations using microcomputers, and describes both the components of the simulation algorithm and the user interface. Examples of simulation and programming methods are presented. (MBR)

Describes microcomputer-based courseware designed for the simulation of the microbiological analysis of drinking water, including digitalized color images. The use of HyperCard is described and evaluation procedures are explained, including evaluation of the learning and of the class. The evaluation questionnaires are appended. (20 references)…

Describes a two-stage experiment that was designed to explain binomial distribution to undergraduate statistics students. A manual coin flipping exercise is explained as the first stage; a computerized simulation using MINITAB software is presented as stage two; and output from the MINITAB exercises is included. (two references) (LRW)

Presents two short microcomputer programs which illustrate features of nonlinear dynamics, including steady states, periodic oscillations, period doubling, and chaos. Logistic maps are explained, inclusion in undergraduate chemistry and physics courses to teach nonlinear equations is discussed, and applications in social and biological sciences…

Discussion of educational software evaluation highlights an evaluation based on program instrumentation of a medical school simulation program. Evaluation strategies are discussed; evaluation techniques, including interviews, questionnaires, and observation are described; and implications of the results of the program instrumentation for the…

Describes the implementation and field testing of PsychWare, a courseware package for introductory psychology developed and field tested at New York Institute of Technology. Highlights include the courseware package (10 software programs, a faculty manual, and a student workbook), and instructional design features (simulations, real-time…

Reports survey results on statistical characteristics and adequacy of random number generators on microcomputers. Cycle size, seed, and operational time considerations, and statistical tests examining validity of generators are discussed. Evaluations of software for specific microcomputers are presented. Experiments which demonstrate dangers of…

Describes the use of a Macintosh computer and HyperCard software to create an introduction to cell culture techniques that closely approximates a hands-on laboratory experiment. Highlights include data acquisition, data analysis, the generation of growth curves, and electronic modeling. (LRW)

Project SERAPHIM activities that are discussed include identifying, producing, and disseminating materials; reviewing computer-based instructional materials; distributing software; holding workshops on microcomputer use; holding symposia to determine direction microcomputer use is taking; and operating the SERAPHIM/-Chem Con Interface Project,…