In this work we present a case example of the use of virtual reality exposure for the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia. The assessment protocol and procedure (including a baseline period) and the cognitive-behavioral treatment program are described. The clinical measures were categorized into target behaviors, panic and agoraphobia…

A multidimensional item response theory (IRT) model for polytomously scored items, based on the graded response model and using the normal ogive, is developed; and an EM algorithm that may be used to estimate the parameters of the model is also discussed. The model is illustrated through a simulation study in which the polytomous item responses of…

A systematic study was conducted with a group of 10- to 12-year-olds using computer assisted instruction in a unit on fire which included a computer simulation of combustion. Three research questions were addressed to learn more about how the computer experience challenged the students' preconceptions: what the students thought the computer knew,…

A study of 228 undergraduate psychology students examined the effectiveness of a prototype of "heatlab," a laboratory simulation written in PCE-PROLOG, intended for remedying misconceptions of the concepts "heat" and "temperature." The effect of varying the amount of structure on students' understanding and the…

Instructional television (ITV) is an effective medium for improving teaching and learning at all levels of education. Thirteen brief case studies provide teacher's insights into how ITV can be integrated with newer computer and satellite technologies to provide instructional opportunities in numerous academic subjects for all students. The voices…

This three-part paper describes the development of a software program called "The Growth Curve of Microorganisms" for a tenth-grade biology class. Designed to improve students' cognitive skills, the program enables them to investigate, through computer simulations, the impact upon the growth curve of a population of three variables: temperature,…

This report describes the development, use, and evaluation of an interactive video lesson for a community college level algebraic-based general physics class that could be used to demonstrate Newton's laws and the conservation of momentum. The lesson consisted of five mini-lessons including an introduction, a presentation of Newton's laws, a…

This report describes evaluations of two courses which were conducted, primarily through participant observation, in 1981. A general introduction looks at simulation in computer assisted learning (CAL) and at use of simulation CAL in the Open University science faculty. The first study discussed was based largely on a tutor's observations of…

Describes two interactive computer programs that simulate abstract relationships and require students to use inductive reasoning, form and test hypotheses, and analyze functions of systems and the reasoning processes required to understand them. Their development and use in college philosophy of science courses is outlined, and possible future…

Compares knowledge and attitude levels of elementary, secondary science, and other secondary teachers on water resources. Evaluates an interactive computer simulation, the "Water Resource Management Simulator" (WRMS), as a training tool for inservice teachers. Users of WRMS exhibited higher knowledge scores than nonusers. No differences…

Presents several examples of models for applying data management computer programs to instruction from point of view of an imaginary student. Commentaries following each example speculate on virtues and possible shortcomings of each approach, with the intention of offering valuable perspectives for improved understanding of effective computer use…

Describes British Library's work on Systems Dynamics, a set of techniques for building simulation models based on analysis of information feedback loops. Highlights include macro-simulation modelling activities of social science disciplines, systems analyses and models of information retrieval processes and library services, policy models, and…

Today, faced with the problems of global competition, increasing costs, and complex production engineering, a company can only be successfully managed if the employees are motivated and highly qualified. To cope with this demand the new educational scheme for cost-effective retraining, lifelong learning and distance education at the workplace…

Virtual reality (VR) is a new computational paradigm that redefines the interface between human and computer. VR may result in a significant improvement over traditional instruction because it is not only a multimedia interactive tool but also a learning environment extremely close to reality. Few empirical studies have been done on the use of VR…

Introduces an intelligent tutoring systems where the college-level learner deals with a teacher and a "troublemaker." Discusses the types of interaction in directive learning, peer learning and learning by disturbing; evaluates the impact of each strategy on learner self-confidence. For learners with low self-confidence, peer learning…