Describes instructional development process applied to the design, production, implementation, and evaluation of a computer simulation designed to provide troubleshooting practice for individuals who maintain and install large digital telephone switches. The major organizational benefits resulting from use of the simulation are discussed. (MBR)

In computer-based simulations, students must bring a wide range of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to bear jointly as they solve meaningful problems in a learning domain. To function effectively as an assessment, a simulation system must additionally be able to evoke and interpret observable evidence about targeted knowledge in a manner…

Discussion of how to teach thinking and problem-solving skills focuses on a study of seventh graders that attempted to convey expertlike behavior using LEGOLogo to explain how a washing machine operates. Topics addressed include concept representation and mental models; cognitive apprenticeship; and LEGOTClogo as a learning environment. (Contains…

Introduces a method for gathering process information related to computer simulations and examines changes in learners' responses as a means of understanding the kind of learning that occurs within the simulations. Data gathered from 87 undergraduate education majors using simulations that teach the application of behavior analysis procedures for…

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

Discusses computer-based training (CBT) methods that emphasize an interactive learning environment but do not require video. Topics addressed include cognitive processes; different levels of interaction, including simulation or problem solving; the use of icons and buttons; hypertext; differences in learning styles; and thought-provoking…

Reports the results of research on effects of detailed feedback on problem solving within a computer-based simulation. Participants were 54 undergraduate students. Results indicated highest performance was associated with feedback based on an expert model supplemented with provided textual commentary, suggesting that under some circumstances…

Baroma (Balance of Rotating Machinery), the Web-based educational engineering interactive software for teaching/learning combines didactical and software ergonomical approaches. The software in tutorial form simulates a problem using Visual Interactive Simulation in graphic display, and animation is brought about through graphical user interface…

Advocates using computer-simulated learning environments to allow students to develop their own problem-solving rules when it comes to collecting and evaluating scientific data. Describes the use of "Identibacter interactus" to simulate identification of an unknown microorganism. (WRM)

Background: The current mode of stoichiometry instruction employs a passive pedagogy that consists of students reading, listening, watching, and memorizing disembodied facts, procedures, and principles in preparation for future application. But chemistry students are often subsequently unable to apply this stoichiometry knowledge in equilibrium…

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to the use of computers across a wide age range. Extensive use is made of photographs, illustrations, cartoons, and samples of children's work to demonstrate the versatility of computer use in schools. An introduction by Rob Crompton placing computer use within the educational context of the United…

This survey of intelligent tutoring systems describes the components of these systems, different teaching scenarios, and the relation of these systems to a theory of instruction. It argues that the underlying pedagogical approach is to make latent knowledge manifest by using different forms of quantitative modeling: (1) simulating physical…

Computerized science simulations were employed by high school biology students in an attempt to enhance their problem-solving skills. The simulations were administered under unguided (discovery learning) and guided (guided discovery learning) conditions while a control group received no simulations. To ascertain the effectiveness of the…

Numerous studies suggest that field experiences focus student attention on short-term survival strategies; they do not provide a systematic investigation of alternative theories of learning and instruction. Students attend to management techniques but do not develop a more reflective approach to instruction. If this is so, students at different…

This study examined the science process skill of prediction problem solving using naturalistic research methodology and information-processing theory. The think-aloud interview led to the identification of several specific program exploration and prediction behaviors. A total of 14 high school biology students made predictions concerning the…