This report documents a computer program for simulation evaluation of item response theory (IRT) ability estimators. This Honeywell DPS version is a very slight modification of the program originally developed in FORTRAN-77 on a DEC VAX 11/780. The model of the world simulated by the program involves a unidimensional test in which the probability…

Two methods for solving problems are presented, designed to help people overcome difficulties that often occur in the problem-solving process. One difficulty people have is in using their knowledge to reach the decisive solution idea. The proposed "method of description" for eliminating this difficulty is based on a directed enrichment of the…

Winners of a contest run by the EDUCOM Software Initiative, a project to promote development and dissemination of instructional software for higher education, are identified. Criteria included the appropriateness of the software for use in higher education, its reliability, appeal and ease of use, etc. (MLW)

Uses examples from four exercises to show how computer-based education (CBE) is used to teach problem-solving in a physiology course. Screen prints are included to illustrate the exercises. Several benefits of using CBE strategies in physiology are also considered. (JN)

Presented are two problems that can be solved using a computer simulation by students who have completed Algebra II. The distance and bisector formulas and the various forms of the equations of a circle and straight line are the topics. Computer program listings are included. (MNS)

The principle of the multiplier-accelerator interaction is explained, and how a computer program to model it can be developed is shown. A series of simulations that can be used to explore the model's behavior are suggested. The simulations can be used in college-level economics classes. (Author/RM)

Discusses the nature and development of computer software. Programing, programing languages, types of software (including dynamic spreadsheets), and software of the future are among the topics considered. (JN)

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…

A virtual reality application for undergraduate chemical kinetics and reactor design education, Vicher (Virtual Chemical Reaction Model) was originally designed to simulate a portion of a modern chemical plant. Vicher now consists of two programs: Vicher I that models catalyst deactivation and Vicher II that models nonisothermal effects in…

Explains a proposed block of instruction that would give students in industrial engineering, operations research, systems engineering, and applied mathematics the basic understanding required to begin more advanced courses in simulation theory or applications. (DDR)

Covers research conducted within the past 10 years on the topic of using computer models and simulations to aid science instruction at the precollege level. The research is categorized into three main areas: (1) students running preprogrammed simulations; (2) students creating dynamic models using modeling environments; and (3) students using…

Considers definitions of quantiles. Describes median and quartiles. Compares the usefulness of 3 different definitions of quartile using a computer program to simulate 500 quantiles on a sample of a fixed size. Five references are listed. (YP)

Reviewed are four computer software packages including "Project Classify: Mammals,""Living Science Textbook--The Frog,""Life Science Help Series," and "Talking Dinosaurs." Discussed are availability, features, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

Provides a BASIC program to compute the number of shuffles required for packs containing even numbers of cards up to 100. Lists 4 further questions on the shuffling program. (YP)

Described is a computer program, AQUASIM, which simulates interaction between environmental factors, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish in an aquatic ecosystem. The conceptual flow, equations, variables, rate processes, and parameter manipulations are discussed. (CW)