This study used computer word games to train 35 dyslexic readers (mean age 13 years) in automaticity (speed and accuracy) of word recognition. After training, reaction time on the word vocalization and sentence comprehension tasks improved significantly for both trained and untrained stimuli. Results support the automaticity hypothesis. (DB)

Offers a game for helping first-grade students develop locational skills and geographic concepts. Calls upon students to (1) locate rooms within a school; (2) identify the rooms' purposes; (3) understand written instructions; (4) understand directional concepts; and (5) develop skills of cooperation. (DK)

Included in this probability board game are the requirements, the rules, the board, and 44 sample questions. This game can be used as a probability unit review for practice on basic skills and algorithms, such as computing compound probability and using Pascal's triangle to solve binomial probability problems. (JJK)

This article describes an activity to generate interest in writing and ownership of the learning experience by students with learning disabilities. An object is placed in a bag, a volunteer describes the item by feeling it, students draw the item, and students then discuss the importance of expressing ideas clearly. (JDD)

Describes a game developed by concerned students from the University of Manitoba to simulate the world's environment and development. Includes how the 1,100 square foot map was made, how props to complement the map were collected, and a description of the first simulation with 80 high school students. (MDH)

Provides ideas for elementary school math activities which include ways to connect math with daily life, Michael Jordan basketball math games, and warm-up activities. (SM)

Presents results of a study to determine the effectiveness of the Stock Market Game in contributing to students' learning about financial markets. Suggests that the biggest advantage of the game it its ability to motivate students. Includes the test that was used by the study to determine how much the students had learned. (DK)

Discusses the possible lack of credibility in educational interactive computer simulations. Topics addressed include "Shopping on Mars," a collaborative adventure game for arithmetic calculation that uses direct manipulation in the microworld; the Alternative Reality Kit, a graphical animated environment for creating interactive…

Describes a life chances exercise that helps students identify the life chances that they and society value. Explains that students learn that the attainment of important life chances is related to the family into which one is born. Discusses John Rawls' social theory. Suggests that participants may need to consider alternative systems of economic…

Discusses the need to evaluate the effectiveness of games and simulations that are used for training and educational purposes. Evaluation criteria are described, including validity, reliability, and utility; methods of measuring training device effectiveness are explained; and problems encountered with evaluations are discussed. (30 references)…

Examines the relation between toys and intentions, focusing on preschoolers. Toys reveal important cultural concerns, help develop valued attributes, and can be sensitive indicators of historical change. Toys and play allow children freedom to express personal intentionality regarding cultural intentions. (SM)

Describes an exercise that uses riddles to expose students to important aspects of the process and experience of scientific thinking. Contends that the exercise allows students to examine their thought processes and to view scientific questions from different perspectives. Reports positive student reaction. (DB)

Describes the Ethics Challenge Game (developed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and free to educators), which is a board game based on the Dilbert comic strip character that provides realistic scenarios for discussion of ethical behavior in various business/workplace situations. Describes the game, offers comments on faculty reactions after playing the…

Discusses the changes in musical experiences, such as live versus recorded music, as society has developed technologically. Presents a crossword puzzle that focuses on the traditions and musicians of baroque, classical, and romantic music each originating in Europe. Includes the clues and word list. (CMK)

Outlines a class project in which students explore characteristics of paper towels and paper towel advertising. Students design a variety of experiments related to paper towels and their claims. Provides four activities. (DDR)