What a multivariate contrast analysis should entail and how such an analysis should be conducted are discussed. The three questions encompassing a contrast analysis are: (1) whether the contrast effects are generalizable; (2) which variables contribute most to the contrast effects; and (3) what is the construct underlying the contrast effects.…

In keeping with current Department of Defense policies on integrated diagnostics and a reduced reliance on paper-based documentation, the concept of a portable, expert-system-based job aid and training device was proposed to assist inexperienced electronics maintenance technicians in learning to maintain sophisticated equipment. A prototype was…

The first goal of this research project was to demonstrate the use of computer assisted video instruction (CAVI) for teaching mildly handicapped students school to community transition skills. Two CAVI learning modules were developed on asking for help and budgeting. The first includes eight lessons focusing on questions of why, when, who, what,…

This report describes the Intelligent Maintenance Training System (IMTS), a set of software tools for composing and delivering simulation-based technical training. The goal in developing IMTS was to generate instructional interactions from device models composed of instances of generic objects. Problem selection in IMTS relies on the use of a…

Students pursuing Australian studies should be given every possible opportunity to work with materials produced in Australia. There is a substantial and growing list of good curriculum software written within Australia and from an Australian perspective which can add interest and excitement to Australian geography classrooms. Computers can be used…

The expert system computer simulation detailed in this report is designed to investigate patterns of valuing in decision-making about dossiers of performance data used in teacher promotion evaluations. The knowledge base for the simulation consists of 111 questions organized into 117 rules. The questions and linked advice were derived from…

In order to evaluate our methods and approaches of estimating the operating characteristics of discrete item responses, it is necessary to try other comparable methods on similar sets of data. LOGIST 5 was taken up for this reason, and was tried upon the hypothetical test items, which follow the normal ogive model and were used frequently in…

Discusses a computer software package, available for the Apple Macintosh, which simulates the economic and social climate during the reign of Louis XIV of France, 1638-1715. Describes the benefits of using the program as a tool for teaching social history. Includes a course outcome and brief bibliography. (GEA)

Presents sports-oriented examples (cricket and football) in which Monte Carlo methods are used on microcomputers to teach probability concepts. Both examples include computer programs (with listings) which utilize the microcomputer's random number generator. Instructional strategies, with further challenges to help students understand the role of…

Describes a computer simulation providing population change profiles at 5-year intervals for 100 years, projecting natural rate of increase and total population, per capita gross national product, energy consumption, age-specific fertility rates, and survival ratios. Data sources for the simulation, sample printed output, and learning activities…

Proposes use of computer simulations to help students build reading comprehension skills, and describes an existing simulation which requires readers to interact with text to accomplish some purpose. Differences between teaching reading skills with simulations and the way they are traditionally taught, and future potential of reading simulations…

Provides a framework for understanding the concept of validity and how it applies to simulation research. Extant tests of validity are discussed in terms of this framework, and a general schema for testing validity is proposed. (MBR)

A previous article examined the amount of fuel that could constantly burn each second and achieve a safe landing. This article investigates some ways to burn variable amounts of fuel according to some mathematical function (such as an arithmetic progression). Several assumptions (such as a massless fuel) are made. (JN)

Describes a series of computer programs that use simulation and gaming techniques to present the basic principles of the central dogma of molecular genetics, mutation, and the genetic code. A history of discoveries in molecular biology is presented and the evolution of these computer assisted instructional programs is described. (MBR)

Reviews computer programs for simulating experiments on (1) polymer sequencing; (2) genetic codes; and (3) cloning. Reasons for using such software are provided. (DH)