A concise description of a study directed at exploring the question of whether systems analysis could be applied to educational problems. (HB)

A simulation model of a suburban school district is synthesized by incorporating the results of multiple regression analysis within an Industrial Dynamics framework. The intermediate empirical analysis is described and results of the validation procedure for the final simulation model presented. Three computer experiments with the system model are…

Simulation is defined and its use, as related to three types of models, iconic, analogue, and symbolic, that may be utilized in educational research is discussed. A five-step procedure is outlined that can be followed in the process of symbolic model construction. Simulation methods, based on these three models, are examined, and illustrations of…

Despite substantial efforts to stimulate innovation in the public schools, little long-term change has been noted by observers. No firm data have been obtained to describe the innovative behavior of school systems longitudinally. The extensive literature has reinforced a permutational view of educational change as dependent on the given…

In its most general sense, a system is a group of components integrated to accomplish a purpose. The heart of an educational system is the instructional system. An instructional system is an integrated set of media, equipment, methods, and personnel performing efficiently those functions required to accomplish one or more learning objectives. An…

AS THE EDUCATOR FACES DECISIONS ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGY, HE NEEDS PRACTICAL RESEARCH ON WHICH TO BASE HIS DECISIONS. A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO RESEARCH, RATHER THAN A PIECEMEAL ONE, IS HIGHLY DESIRABLE. SUCH AN APPROACH COULD EMPLOY SIMULATION TECHNIQUES, WHICH DIFFER FROM CONTEXTUAL ONES PRIMARILY IN SCOPE AND CONTROL, AND WHICH CAN DEAL WITH A WIDE…

A new framework for designing qualitative studies is described to optimize the emergence, representation and presentation of insights. The framework, called Reflection Methodology, is presented as a "Conversational Paradigm" that includes four components--interviewer (researcher as participant); child, task situation, and observing…

Multimedia can significantly improve education, but only to the extent that their impact is perceived and planned for. Planning mig t be accomplished in a comprehensive, multimedia development laboratory, organized around methodology and functions rather than equipment or facilities. Such a laboratory might plan, supervise, evaluate, and influence…

A reference list of about 1,000 items which treat various aspects of educational technology has been compiled. Most of these items are books and articles, but some films, tapes, and slides are included as well. The items are divided into about seventy headings, under eight main categories: general, factors affecting curriculum decisions, managing…

This document contains four papers presented at a symposium moderated by Valeria Stokes at the 1996 conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development. "Management Development Simulations: Effective or Not?" (Jill R. Hough) reviews the differences between simulations and educational games and presents a simulation classification…