Played in university classes for preservice teachers as well as in middle and high schools, the River Crossing Game depends on the sum of tosses of two fair dice. This paper describes the game as well as some lines of thinking about winning strategies, which are not obvious even with an understanding of the overall distribution for the sum of two…

Central limit theorem (CLT) is considered an important topic in statistics, because it serves as the basis for subsequent learning in other crucial concepts such as hypothesis testing and power analysis. There is an increasing popularity in using dynamic computer software for illustrating CLT. Graphical displays do not necessarily clear up…

Computer simulations under three conditions of polytomous differential item functioning (DIF) compared the ability of three different statistical procedures to detect nonuniform DIF. The procedures were a nominal and an ordinal extension of the Mantel-Haenszel statistic, and logistic discriminant function analysis. Results showed that only the…

Previous research examining the effects of reducing the number of score groups used in the matching criterion of the Mantel-Haenszel procedure, when screening for differential item functioning, has produced ambiguous results. The goal of this study was to resolve the ambiguity by examining the problem with a simulated data set. The main results…

Virtual reality technology offers the promise of interaction with a computer-based environment that engages visual, auditory, and tactile perception. Three interrelated virtual reality design topics are particularly relevant to visual literacy. The first is the concept of avatars. Avatars are agents that appear in a virtual world representing the…

This master's thesis investigates the relationship between the traditional animator and the computer as computer animation systems allow them to apply traditional skills with a high degree of success. The advantages and disadvantages of traditional animation as a medium for expressing motion and character are noted, and it is argued that the…

This report describes Designer, an interactive tool for assisting with the design of two-dimensional graphic interfaces for instructional systems. The system, which consists of a color graphics interface to a mathematical simulation, provides enhancements to the Graphics Editor component of Steamer (a computer-based training system designed to aid…

Describes a computer simulation game that helps teach spatial autocorrelation, a fundamental geographic concept referring to the degree and kind of spatial patterning to be found in geographic data. Experiences with this simulation exercise at the State University of New York Buffalo are briefly summarized. (Author/BSR)

Focuses on the use of electronic mail for teaching and learning about social welfare policy processes and compares electronic mail as a simulation medium to more structured computer applications. (Author)

Discusses intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), one application of artificial intelligence to computers used in education. Basic designs of ITSs are described; examples are given including PROUST, GREATERP, and the use of simulation with ITSs; protocol analysis is discussed; and 38 prototype ITSs are listed. (LRW)

Describes uses of computer simulations for the context of human service program evaluation. Presents simple mathematical models for most commonly used human service outcome evaluation designs (pretest-posttest randomized experiment, pretest-posttest nonequivalent groups design, and regression-discontinuity design). Translates models into single…

Discusses an algorithm for developing problem solving simulations using microcomputers, and describes both the components of the simulation algorithm and the user interface. Examples of simulation and programming methods are presented. (MBR)

Reports on the Generating Long-term Options by Using Simulation (GLOBUS) computer simulator, which creates models of the world to 2010 taking into account variable actions and behaviors. States that simulations to date permit limited optimism for the next 20 to 40 years. (CH)

Reviews types and evaluates effectiveness of microcomputer-based training for managers: electronic workbooks, simulations/games, expert systems, and management support systems. (SK)

The Army hired the Center for Instructional Development and Evaluation at the University of Maryland to design a system of individualized self-paced literacy lessons for military trainees. The Space Time Army Reconnaissance System is structured according to Gagne's model of instructional events and capitalizes on its audience's interest in video…