Asserts that the power and prices of computers have changed dramatically in recent years. Reviews 10 approaches to using computers in geographic instruction. Includes a 10-item questionnaire to determine whether teachers are using computers effectively. (CFR)

Examines the relationship of microcomputer simulation graphics and alphanumeric modes of data presentation to ninth-grade biology students' science process skills and conceptual understanding of selected science topics (N=64). Concludes that use of microcomputers and appropriate software can result in significant learning and understanding of…

Diffusion and osmosis are central concepts in biology, both at the cellular and organ levels. They are presented several times throughout most introductory biology textbooks (e.g., Freeman, 2002), yet both processes are often difficult for students to understand (Odom, 1995; Zuckerman, 1994; Sanger "et al.", 2001; and results herein). Students…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report the impact of an online simulation that was designed to provide pre-service teachers with experience in dealing with complex classroom situations associated with the teaching of literacy. Design/methodology/approach: A developmental approach to the research was used. This is also known as…

Enzyme kinetics is a difficult subject for students to learn and for tutors to teach. During the practicals included in the biochemical courses at the Faculty of Chemistry of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, we found that the students acquire good training in the calculations to obtain kinetic parameters such as K[subscript m], V[subscript…

This paper explores the Web 2.0 ethos with respect to the application of pedagogy within 3D online virtual environments. 3D worlds can create a synthetic experience capturing the essence of "being" in a particular world or context. The AliveX3D platform adopts the Web 2.0 ethos and applies it to online 3D virtual environment forming a Web…

Engineering design graphics education has come a long way in the past two decades. The emergence of solid geometric modeling technology has become the focal point for the graphical development of engineering design ideas. The main attraction of this 3-D modeling approach is the downstream application of the data base to analysis and…

This 8-week interdisciplinary unit for fourth- and fifth-grade students helps children address the U.S. westward expansion in the 1840's using the interactive software program, The Oregon Trail. The unit provides connections to literature, geography, computer/mathematics skills, language arts, and research skills. The work is done in cooperative…

This paper reviews the basic elements of the EM approach to estimating item parameters and illustrates its use with one simulated and one real data set. In order to illustrate the use of the BILOG computer program, runs for 1-, 2-, and 3-parameter models are presented for the two sets of data. First is a set of responses from 1,000 persons to five…

There are two major concerns about the teaching of high school biology. One is the degree to which students memorize laws, facts, and principles, and the second involves the role of the classroom teacher. These aspects result in a discrepancy between the theory and practice of science education. The purpose of this report is to provide: (1) a…

The Transparent Computer, a computer simulation designed to teach programming concepts to non-programmers, provides a graphic representation of the computer and illustrates information flow within the units of the computer. The emphasis of the simulation is on the acquisition and application of concepts and comprehension of the structuring of…

Designed to offer direction for classroom teachers and administrators in the development of an exploratory computer literacy program for grades 9-12, this resource unit comprises four major sections, four appendices, and two resource lists. The introductory section provides information on the history of Hawaii's computer literacy program; cites…

This booklet examines the current instructional uses of computers, their demands on teachers and teacher trainers, and the measures required to further promote their use. Five principal educational computer uses are addressed: (1) learning from computers in drill and practice and tutorial programs; (2) learning with computers using simulations and…

Presents a categorization system that allows potential microcomputer users to make more reasoned, conscious choices to ensure that a range of software types and activities are available for their instructional programs. (SRT)

Today's educational software has transcended original drill and practice functions to provide enjoyable learning experiences through simulation, tutorial, and special education programs that develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. Teacher and administrator effectiveness can be enhanced by lesson design, scheduling, attendance, grade…