This report describes Designer, an interactive tool for assisting with the design of two-dimensional graphic interfaces for instructional systems. The system, which consists of a color graphics interface to a mathematical simulation, provides enhancements to the Graphics Editor component of Steamer (a computer-based training system designed to aid…

Discusses computer-generated design, considers the theory of dynamic symmetry, and addresses the question of abstraction and simulation. Computer-generated abstraction is compared with traditional abstract paintings on canvas, and the use of video discs to create new images and expand the visual language of the artist designer is described. (three…

Through the use of graphic computer simulation, this paper analyzes the combinatorial and geometric mathematics underlying a four-dimensional variation of the Rubik's Cube. This variation is called the Rubik's Tesseract and has dimensions, 3 x 3 x 3 x 3. (JJK)

Discussion of instructional transaction theory focuses on knowledge representation in an automated instructional design expert system. A knowledge structure called PEA-Net (processes, entities, and activities) is explained; the refrigeration process is used as an example; text resources and graphic resources are described; and simulations are…

Defines transposition operations (changing the way the display of the model proceeds) in diagrams within computer graphics. Describes transpositions that are spatial (moving the point of view or the point viewed), procedural (changing the flow of time), or organizational (arranging multiple simultaneous views and interjecting auxiliary measuring…

Sophisticated simulations using computer graphics can lead to students deducing virtually all conditions of the Central Limit Theorem. Eight graphs illustrate the discussion. (MNS)

Discusses model-based simulation for training, explains an object-oriented approach, and describes RAPIDS, an authoring system for the production of interactive graphical models and instruction based on those models. Highlights include intelligent tutoring systems; transaction shells; tools for authoring models; and a course on retinal information…

Gives an overview of the development of multimedia, from the combination of film and computer graphics used during the 1960s to present day jet aircraft simulators. Definitions of multimedia, virtual reality, the use of compact disks to deliver digitally recorded information, and the economic need for the technology are discussed. (KRN)

The most important step in leading students in an exploration of the philosophical issues regarding art created with a computer is first to guide them in exploring ontological concepts and questions asked about the nature of art and computer art, before investigating related issues of epistemology, value, and criticism. Students need to understand…

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and virtual reality (VR) make possible powerful interactive stories, and this paper focuses on examples of virtual characters in three dimensional (3-D) worlds. Waldern, a virtual reality game designer, has theorized about and implemented software design of virtual teammates and opponents that incorporate AI…

Computers can be used in a variety of ways in the social studies classroom: (1) as a productivity tool to relieve the teacher of the many bookkeeping tasks and allow for more time to be spent on instructional tasks; (2) in business applications such as data base files, electronic spreadsheets, word processing, computer graphics, and to store large…

This article presents an interview with Robert Taylor, a leading figure in educational computing. Among the topics covered are: (1) current developments in educational computing, (2) the changing role of teachers, (3) the resources computer technology will provide to social studies teachers, and (4) whether the probable future uses of computers…

This article provides a diverse collection of examples of computer use in elementary and secondary school social studies. Names and addresses are provided for contacting many of the projects. (JDH)

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…

In this paper, I review both mathematics education and CSCL literature and discuss how we can better take advantage of CSCL tools for developing mathematical proof skills. I introduce a model of proof in school mathematics that incorporates both empirical and deductive ways of knowing. I argue that two major forces have given rise to this…