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)

Faculty members are writing computer programs that could change the ways professors teach and students learn. Five examples of software are described including those for presenting mathematical concepts in architecture, staging a scene of a play, and an introductory course in plasma physics. (MLW)

Discusses the use of computer programs in science and mathematics. Provides examples of how computation offers a new means of describing and investigating scientific and mathematical systems and how computer simulation can be used to examine new kinds of models for natural phenomena. (JN)

Presents algorithms for the simulation and motion display of the three basic kinematic devices: (1) four bar linkages; (2) the slider crank; and (3) the inverted slider crank mechanisms. The algorithms were implemented on a Commodore-VIC 20 microcomputer system with 6500 bytes of available memory. (Author/JN)

Presents four probability problems, their simulations, and analyses. The first illustrates a discrete situation for which it is possible to list the sample space. The second and third are continuous--the number of possible outcomes is infinite. The last is discrete with a surprising continuous extension question which leads to l/e. (JN)

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…

Reviews 34 computer programs designed to help freshman writing students and their teachers either by providing instruction, supporting the composing process, or helping to manage classroom activities. Most of the programs run on microcomputers and are currently available; a few are included because they indicate interesting trends. (MBR)

Explains how school planners can use microcomputers to create electronic spreadsheets that reduce the time required to calculate educational specifications. (MLF)

Describes three computer programs which operate on Apple II+ microcomputers: (1) a menu-driven graph drawing program; (2) a simulation of the Millikan oil drop experiment; and (3) a program used to study the half-life of silver. (Instructions for obtaining the programs from the author are included.) (JN)

Presents a system that permits students to engage directly in the process of modelling and to learn some important lessons about models and classes of models. The system described currently runs on RML 380Z and 480Z, Apple II and IIe, and BBC model B microcomputers. (JN)

Describes an experiment from a physical chemistry course that consists of a computer simulation of throwing dice and the statistics involved. The experiment is designed to improve students' understanding of statistical evaluation of experimental data and to introduce programming techniques. (DDR)

Investigates the effects of realism and perceived control on student satisfaction with the SuperShrink interview. Compares active/passive and computer/hardcopy conditions. Findings show students rate the computer versions as more satisfying. Suggests computers are superior to hardcopy simulations of human interactions. (Author/NL)

Describes a computer program that can model the equilibrium processes in the production of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen, sulfur trioxide from sulfur dioxide and oxygen, and the nitrogen dioxide-dinitrogen tetroxide equilibrium. Provides information about downloading the program ChemEquilibrium from the World Wide Web. (JRH)

Explores economic aspects of digital journal production and delivery using Ithink Analyst, a modeling software package. Three models were developed and simulations were used to monitor the effect of variations in the values of key model elements. Discusses results that show staff costs and overhead are the most substantial costs for scholarly…

When most academic technologists tackle computing, their time is occupied by laptops and servers--relatively small-scale stuff. A couple of blades here, a couple of blades there. Generally, even for network managers, the processing power rarely stacks up to anything awe-inspiring. Sometimes, however, computing can be bigger and broader than many…