Play is essential to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they explore new roles, try out new ideas, and bond with each other. Play increases language, cognitive, and social skills. How can the power of play be harnessed and shaped for educational purposes? How can teachers infuse play into the classroom to improve…

From immersive simulations to interactive tutorials, Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming the way we learn and practise new skills. Especially for social skills training, a growing number of simulations have been designed in which trainees learn to master difficult communicative situations. One of the factors to which the effectiveness of VR as a…

APEX is a computerized gaming simulation; it is also the name of an interdisciplinary course in environmental problems in urban areas introduced at the School of Health Science, Hunter College of the City University of New York. In the course, students assume the roles of decision makers in both the private and public sectors. They receive data…

Beginning with definitions of "simulation" (a methodology for testing alternative decisions under hypothetical conditions), this paper focuses on the use of simulation as an instructional method, pointing out the relationships and differences between role playing, games, and simulation. The term "simulation games" is explored with an analysis of…

Maintains that the explosion of communications technology represents both content and method for social studies courses. Praises the International Negotiation Project (INP) as an educational resource that incorporates both. The INP is a computer-assisted simulation of international negotiation and foreign policy decision making. (MJP)

This report describes Huntington simulations--computer programs and associated off-line materials for the teacher and for the students. Separate guidelines for choosing a simulation are presented for the curriculum planner and for the teacher. The Huntington simulation, POLUT, is the example which is used. Modifications to this program and its…