This paper presentation will report on how some science educators at the Science Department of The Hong Kong Institute of Education have successfully employed an array of innovative learning media such as three-dimensional (3D) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create seven sets of resource kits, most of which are being placed on the…

The 15 conference papers in this report address a variety of issues such as computer applications in mechanics and optics, three-dimensional representation in physics teaching, computers in the physics laboratory, information technologies, the perceptual approach in physics education, improving students' conceptual understanding in physics, using…

This high school physics resource is a simulator for optics, electronics, force, motion, and sound. Students can study oscillations, look at sound waves, and use probes to graph a wide variety of quantities. Over 100 activities are pre-written, and students can easily create their own additional activities using the multimedia editor. (WRM)

Describes chemistry software that is part of a balanced educational program. Provides several applications including graphs of various relationships among the elements. Includes a brief historical treatment of the periodic table and compares the traditional historical approach with perspectives gained by manipulating an electronic database. (DDR)

An interactive videodisk entitled "Motion: A Visual Database" developed at the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (CCAT) is described. Three of its 194 real experiments are discussed. (YP)

Describes an interactive video system, VISTRAIN (Video-Based Integrated System for Training Applications), which was developed by the National Computing Centre in the United Kingdom for the Scottish Police College to help train police supervisory officers in crowd control. Group training is discussed, and management training applications are…

Describes software that was designed in the United Kingdom to promote conceptual change in secondary school students studying mechanics. Direct Manipulation of Mechanical Microworlds, an interactive computer simulation, and VARILAB, a computer-based language for modelling systems, are explained; and two studies that will evaluate the effectiveness…

Discusses xyZET, a simulation program that allows 3D-space in numerous experiments in basic mechanics and electricity and was developed to support physics teaching. Tests course material for 11th grade at German high schools under classroom conditions and reports on their stability and effectiveness. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/YDS)

This paper examines children's and adults' attitudes to virtual representations of museum objects. Drawing on empirical research data gained from two web-based digital learning environments. The paper explores the characteristics of on-line learning activities that move children from a sense of wonder into meaningful engagement with objects and…

To enhance a course in 3D Virtual Reality (3D VR) modelling for mining engineers, and to create the potential for off campus students to fully engage with the course, a problem based learning (PBL) approach was applied to the course design and all materials and learning activities were provided online. This paper outlines some of the theoretical…

In this study, researchers evaluated the usability of game environments for teaching and learning about mathematical functions. A 3-Dimensional multi-user computer game called as "Quest Atlantis" has been used, and an educational game about mathematical functions has been developed in parallel to the Quest Atlantis' technical and…

"Instructional Design: Case Studies in Communities of Practice" documents real-world experiences of instructional designers and staff developers who work in communities of practice. "Instructional Design: Case Studies in Communities of Practice" explains the strategies and heuristics used by instructional designers when working…

A software tool called 3D-LAB has been developed for learning and teaching three-dimensional geometry. With this microworld, educators and students can display three dimensional solid objects, rotate them, modify them, open them up, draw points and segments, and measure lengths, areas, volumes, and angles. The major characteristics of this tool…

Meta-analytic methods were used to summarize results of Monte Carlo (MC) studies investigating the robustness of various statistical procedures for testing within-subjects effects in split-plot repeated measures designs. Through a literature review, accessible MC studies were identified, and characteristics (simulation factors) and outcomes (rates…

This collection of case studies of classroom experiences in middle and secondary schools throughout the European Community describes the use of computers in mathematics education. The 16 studies are organized in four main groups: (1) experience in geometry using educational software and Logo in grades 5-10; (2) arithmetic number concepts,…