Describes a prototype university, Southeast State University, which was created for a simulation game that uses an in-basket format to mix reality with role playing and case study to teach decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution in higher education administration courses. (four references) (LRW)

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

A graphic, interactive software program that is suitable for teaching students about the measurement and ion dependence of cell membrane potentials is described. The hardware requirements, the aim of the program, how to use the program, other related programs, and its advantages over traditional methods are included. (KR)

Six theme articles address computer-assisted design in landscaping, simulation in agricultural education, Macintosh's HyperCard, computer labs for agribusiness, and using a portable computer to evaluate classroom performance. (SK)

Item parameter estimation errors in test development are highlighted. The problem is illustrated with several simulated data sets, and a conservative solution is offered for addressing the problem in item response theory test development practice. Steps that reduce the problem of capitalizing on chance in item selections are suggested. (SLD)

Kids Development Corporation is a simulation of economic life appropriate for gifted students in grades 4-11, in which students form a corporation; purchase land; learn about building construction, banking, and investing; create a logo; and develop a community. This article describes the program's goals and objectives, schedule of activities, and…

Discusses computer-based training (CBT) methods that emphasize an interactive learning environment but do not require video. Topics addressed include cognitive processes; different levels of interaction, including simulation or problem solving; the use of icons and buttons; hypertext; differences in learning styles; and thought-provoking…

Presents a simulation activity that allow students to work through the exercise of DNA profiling and to grapple with some analytical and ethical questions involving a couple arranging with a surrogate mother to have a baby. Can be used to teach the principles of restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, and probe hybridization. (MDH)

Describes a unified case method for teaching professional writing wherein the writing assignments for a semester occurred within and were constrained and shaped by the context of one particular situation. Observes that students were more interested and enthusiastic about their assignments, and the work they produced was more successful. (NH)

The sensitivity of marginal maximum likelihood estimation of item and ability (theta) parameters was examined when prior ability distributions were not matched to underlying ability distributions. Thirty sets of 45-item test data were generated. Conditions affecting the accuracy of estimation are discussed. (SLD)

The paper addresses application of new educational technologies to dental education. Noted is technology's ability to create an electronic curriculum that uses images and text to advance problem-solving and problem-based learning. Information technology provides a risk-free (i.e., patient-free) environment for dental students to test decisions.…

A study assessed the feasibility of sequential testing of medical students using standardized patients. Sequential testing passes students who score well on the first segment of the test thus eliminating additional student-standardized patient encounters. Subjects were six classes of Southern Illinois University students (n=404). Results strongly…

A modification of a test of the equality of nonindependent alpha reliability coefficients is proposed. It avoids the limitation that the product of the number of test parts times the number of subjects be quite large. Monte Carlo studies indicate that this test can be used in comparing interrater reliabilities. (SLD)

Inference is considered for the marginal distribution of "X" when ("X", "Y") has a truncated bivariate normal distribution. The "Y" variable is truncated, but only the "X" values are observed. A sample of 87 Otis test scores is shown to be well described by this model. (SLD)

Addresses some basic aspects of Archimedes' law. Focus is on potential energy relationships so as to elucidate some common misunderstandings and to facilitate making bridges with other physical topics. A spreadsheet model is used as a simulation tool. (Author/NB)