Describes how microcomputers can perform very demanding/large-scale physics calculations at speeds not much slower than those of modern, full-size computers. Among the examples provided are a Monte Carlo simulation of the three-dimensional Ising model and a program (for the Apple microcomputer) using the time-independent Schrodinger Equation. (JN)

A positive correlation has been found between laptops and student achievement. Laptops are similar to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) in many respects. This study seeks to determine the effect of PDA usage on high school student academic achievement. It was hypothesized that a positive correlation between PDA usage and academic achievement in…

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, 6.3 million of which are children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004). It is not merely an annoyance disease, as is commonly believed. Asthma kills. It takes more than 5,000 American lives each year (Asthma Statistics in America,…

Studies an information retrieval system for bibliographic entries or abstracts using queries from the INSPEC database on the FOLIO system at Stanford University (California). Highlights include strategies for distributing indexes across a set of processors and for performing queries in parallel; inverted lists; simulations; local area networks;…

Surveys the research into virtual reality (VR) and focuses on the implications of immersive virtual worlds for learning and teaching. Topics include how VR differs from other forms of interactive multimedia, VR and the development of educational theory and methodology, and case studies in educational VR research. (Author/LRW)

Describes an experiment from a physical chemistry course that consists of a computer simulation of throwing dice and the statistics involved. The experiment is designed to improve students' understanding of statistical evaluation of experimental data and to introduce programming techniques. (DDR)

Compares the performance of 85 freshmen and sophomores enrolled in two sections of an online introductory networking and telecommunications course. One section utilized a network simulation package that allows the student to build and send data through different network configurations; the second section used a static network diagramming software…

Developed are simple recursion formulas for generating the exact distribution of the longest run of heads, both for a fair coin and for a biased coin. Discusses the applications of runs-related phenomena such as molecular biology, Markov chains, geometric variables, and random variables. (YP)

In a few select high schools in the U.S., supercomputers are allowing talented students to attempt sophisticated research projects using simultaneous simulations of nature, culture, and technology not achievable by ordinary microcomputers. Schools can get their students online by entering contests and seeking grants and partnerships with…

Describes how to enhance the benefits of using the Carmen Sandiego educational software programs by building in generous amounts of creative fun and writing activities. Discusses journal writing, character sketches, letter writing, writing a book, and report writing. (RS)

Discussion of educational games that can be configured to accommodate changes in the structure of the game focuses on MANAGEMENT 500, a microcomputer-controlled prototype business simulation game. Three modes of learning that can be emphasized through a configurable simulation game are explained: learning by discovery, by perseverance, and by…

Investigates the value of applying principles derived from simulated annealing to clustering tuples in database design, and compares this technique with a graph-collapsing clustering method. It is concluded that, while the new method does give superior results, the expense involved in algorithm run time is prohibitive. (24 references) (CLB)

Establishes a theoretical basis for both understanding and testing the molecular level assumptions in mixtures. Considers activity coefficient models and equation of state mixing rules. (YP)

Described are analytical applications of the theory of random processes, in particular solutions obtained by using statistical procedures known as Monte Carlo techniques. Supercomputer simulations, sampling, integration, ensemble, annealing, and explicit simulation are discussed. (CW)

Student teams in a senior capstone course in marketing completed microcomputer simulation in which they developed six-month marketing plan for a new product. A procedure similar to Kelly's Role Repertory Test was applied to define the role that various information sources played in their decision-making process, a means of determining the amount…