The computational problem-solving mode of thought that has become widespread since the computer revolution has two aspects. The first aspect is the organization of one's view of the world into "context-free" terms and uniform relations between these terms. The relations that are to hold among these terms are taken to be standardized, and…

This courseware evaluation rates "The Place Setting Simulator" program developed by Orange Juice Software Systems. The courseware was rated by a team of home economists participating in a network designed to identify and evaluate courseware and disseminate reviews for vocational and technical teachers, media staff, and administrators.…

Describes an interactive video system of animated programs developed at Stanford University that enables drama students to design and stage their own versions of scenes, and learn about the theatrical process quickly and inexpensively. The discussion covers the development of the programs and examples of their implementation. (CLB)

Seven data sets (namely, clinical data on children) were subjected to clustering by seven algorithms--the B-coefficient, Linear Typal Analysis; elementary linkage analysis, Numerical Taxonomy System, Statistical Analysis System hierarchical clustering method, Taxonomy, and Bolz's Type Analysis. The little-known B-coefficient method compared…

Describes a microcomputer-based software package, Online Search Tutor (OST), which is designed to teach users online bibliographic searching. Modeled on software previously developed for the European Space Agency Information Retrieval Services (ESA-IRS), OST includes a database of 600 bibliographic records which will simulate actual search…

Delineates the differences between simulators and training devices, and discusses the possibility of inadequate training when simulators are used as training devices. Guidelines for appropriate training device development using a behavioral learning approach are presented. (13 references) (CLB)

Description of Atenea, the Spanish National Project for Computers in Education, focuses on the use of computer simulation and modeling in elementary and secondary education. Highlights include system dynamics, training courses for teachers, a microcomputer-based software package called System Dynamics Simulator for Education (SDSE), and a list of…

Describes Teacher Development Decision Exercises, a computer-based method of diagnosing abilities of elementary and secondary school supervisors (principals, staff developers, curriculum coordinators) to make professional preactive or planning decisions. This approval simulates assessment of supervisors' abilities to use professional knowledge to…

Explains the computer-based modeling "language" of Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation (STELLA) and its applications to environmental education. Describes STELLA's interactive capabilities through an example of a program on predator-prey interactions. Recommends the use of STELLA for clarification of…

Microcomputer simulations in evaluation research are useful for (1) improving student understanding of research principles and analytic techniques; (2) investigating problems arising in research implementations; and (3) exploring the accuracy and utility of novel analytic techniques. This article describes these simulation uses for the context of…

Discusses use of computer simulation as an archeological tool for research and teaching involving the remains of prehistoric game animals to aid in understanding effects of various strategies of prehistoric hunters on populations of game animals. A simulation involving possible vicuna hunting strategies is described. (MBR)

Under the assumptions of classical measurement theory and the condition of normality, a formula is derived for the reliability of composite scores. The formula represents an extension of the Spearman-Brown formula to the case of truncated data. (Author/JAZ)

Argues that computer-simulated experiments offer educational tools to foster student development of problem-solving skills without traditional laboratory time and expense. The evolution of the medical physiology course at Rush Medical College is used to illustrate trends in this area. They include experiments on PLATO, and on personal computers.…

Discusses the nature of misconceptions in science and the role of teachers and students in correcting these misconceptions. Also describes a simulation program that centers on some basic topics in Newtonian mechanics, outlining its structure and examining some of the premises that served as guidelines in its design. (JN)

An interactive computer program in microbial genetics is described. The simulation allows students to work at their own pace and develop understanding of microbial techniques as they choose donor bacterial strains, specify selective media, and interact with demonstration experiments. Sample questions and outputs are included. (DH)