Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show varying levels of impairment in social skills situations. Interventions have been developed utilizing virtual environments (VEs) to teach and improve social skills. This article presents a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on social interventions in VEs…

Reviews the benefits of computer simulation in social studies. Provides a lesson plan for using Lincoln's Decision, a simulation by Educational Activities. (JDH)

Proposes an enhanced approach to teaching topics in ecology--an approach that uses mathematical models and A Programming Language (APL) to produce short, quickly comprehensible computer "programs" that can be run to allow students to study the behavior of a particular model. (Author/IRT)

Some of the advantages of using computer simulations in social studies are examined, and criteria to help social studies teachers select worthwhile social studies simulations are discussed. (RM)

The author suggests the computer simulation game as a powerful motivational and teaching tool in many grades and subject areas. He briefly describes a few social studies and science computer simulation games. (SJL)

The research literature on the effect of computer assisted writing with disabled and non-disabled persons is reviewed. Covered are research on: composing processes, composing with computers, software for intervening in the composing process (e.g. drill and practice, text analysis, simulations); and developing writers. (DB)

Computer simulations can be used in social studies to analyze problems by using a representation or model of a situation and then exercising the model to see how it behaves under different circumstances. Utilizing available computer programs, students can also build and use social studies data bases. (RM)

Single-subject studies conducted with 7 hearing-impaired students (aged 6-19) provided empirical support for determining the effectiveness of computerized versus noncomputerized instructional methods and the effectiveness of certain types of software. Drill and practice software helped students learn spelling and vocabulary, but a game-simulation…

Examines four types of educational computer software promoting children's learning experiences--drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, games--noting characteristics and strengths and/or weaknesses of each. The LOGO computer language designed to teach mathematical concepts, logical thinking, and computer programing is discussed. Sixteen sources…

Provides a detailed description of Lemonade, a business game designed to introduce elementary and secondary students to the basics of business; i.e., problem solving strategies, hypothesis formulation and testing, trend analysis, prediction, comparative analysis, and effects of such factors as advertising and climatic conditions on sales and…

Illustrates the approach of using viewable computer programs to simulate ecological processes. Gives a detailed example dealing with population dynamics. (LS)

A sample of 974 school districts was surveyed by mail to determine the current and projected use of computers in United States public secondary/elementary schools, with special reference to computer assisted learning. Returned questionnaires provided a 62.3 percent response rate, and were balanced both geographically and by urban/rural…

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…

Changes in the design and implementation of instructional simulations on the PLATO IV system have evolved in the direction of more explanation, evaluation, and streamlined simulation. Student pressure to use their own problem solving processes, the practical system limitations of producing environmentally complex simulations, and student confusion…

A review of 21 research studies on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in mathematics with students having learning disabilities found that drill and practice formats have predominated over game, tutorial, or simulation formats. Overall, CAI was found to be an effective medium for mathematics instruction. Suggestions for further research and for…