Two studies evaluated the use of either in vivo training or simulation prior to in vivo, as methods for training 8 students (ages 10-19) with moderate disabilities to cross streets and to use public pay telephones. Results suggested that prior simulation training did not appear to either facilitate or inhibit later in vivo instruction. (DB)

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Presents results of simulations that were conducted to test the effects of errors in estimation of individual term probabilities on the performance of a probabilistic information retrieval (PIR) system. Assigning index terms to documents is described; an information retrieval system called Helpnet is explained; and relevance, ranking, and…

Describes the International Business Negotiation Simulations (IBNS), a series of workshops which use a computer-managed teleconferencing-based simulation designed to teach business executives how to negotiate successfully in a cross-cultural environment. Team structures and roles are described, the telecommunications interface is explained, and…

A combination of computer, videodisk, and voice-recognition technology lets Georgetown University medical students ask questions of an electronic "patient" who appears on a television monitor and appears to respond. Students can order laboratory tests and study patient behavior inside and outside the hospital. Simulations use actors or…

Comparisons of the Wilcoxon test, Friedman test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on ranks in a computer simulation show that the Friedman test performs like the sign test whereas the ANOVA performs like the Wilcoxon test. Classification of these tests in introductory statistics textbooks should be revised. (SLD)

The effect of reducing the number of score groups in the matching criterion of the Mantel-Haenszel procedure when screening for differential item functioning was investigated with a simulated data set. Results suggest that more than modest reductions cannot be recommended when ability distributions of reference and focal groups differ. (SLD)

Describes two computer-assisted instructional programs (I-View Skills and Goal-Focused Interviewing) and two interactive videodisk (IVD) programs (Crisis Counseling and Group Treatment) designed to teach social work practice skills in introductory interpersonal practice course. Presents programs to encourage other social work faculty and agency…

Adult and continuing education tutors (n=50) surveyed favored a range of teaching techniques, including experiential, but some viewed the latter as unsuitable. Role play, simulation, and gaming were not frequently used. Tutors preferred to develop their own methods and materials and believed their students expected traditional methods. (SK)

A simulated distance learning experience showed planners that problems exist and are manageable, that it is difficult to change teaching methodologies once a class has begun, that the experience can incorporate several teaching methods but they must be well-planned in advance, and that teacher training is essential. (JOW)

To complement and strengthen its educational leadership program, East Tennessee State University, along with Brigham Young University, Florida State University, and Virginia Tech, formed a liaison with NASSP to help expand and refine administrative skills in decision making, leadership, sensitivity, problem solving, communication, judgment, and…

Describes a plan to assess 27 administrator candidates, drawing on a partnership between the Southwest Virginia Regional Assessment Center Leadership Academy and Virginia Tech's principal preparation program. Participants completed a reduced-item inbasket exercise, participated in leaderless-group and fact-finding exercises, and submitted a…

Facilitators can be and often are unaware of damage that may be caused by participation in interactive learning events (simulations, role-plays, games, etc.). This is sometimes due to a confusion about what sort of event is taking place. Two hypothetical situations and one real incident are provided and analyzed. Lessons are drawn and…

Describes Design Builder, interactive multimedia software that was developed to enable undergraduate engineers to experience working in a concurrent environment without direct and specialized teaching-staff support, and to provide an interactive and intelligent simulation environment from which users may develop a culture that introduces…

Speculates on why such little progress has been made regarding the effective application of educational simulation/games and suggests that the field's eclectic foundation has been good for its development but bad for its rigorous assessment. Antecedents for meaningful research and generating a body of literature are outlined. (Author/LRW)