Explains how the graphing calculator can be used in simulations of physics experiments and how its use for plotting graphs requires a shift in emphasis from obtaining an experimental result to evaluating that result. (DDR)

In this classroom simulation of a crime, students take on the challenge presented in the article To Catch a Thief. Students witnessing a surprising event learn to question the nature of how criminals get identified and generate ideas about how criminals can be better identified. A key component of the evidence is an unusual distinguishing…

Provides a brief background on Eleanor Roosevelt and the Declaration of Human Rights. Presents a lesson wherein students simulate the creation of the Declaration of Human Rights and consider the leadership skills of Eleanor Roosevelt. Explains that the activity requires three class periods and some student preparation before the lesson. (CMK)

Reviews literature in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) as it applies to educational environments. Topics include the origin of HCI; human factors; usability; computer interface design; goals, operations, methods, and selection (GOMS) models; command language versus direct manipulation; hypertext; visual perception; interface…

Presents a simulation of the situation in China that led to the 1949 Communist victory, focusing on the 1930s and 1940s when two political parties, the Guomindang and Chinese Communist, engaged in a battle for power. Includes directions and an appendix providing the roles, a background essay, and recommended readings. (CMK)

Considers what computers contribute to the work of historians, and of history teachers, that is specific to the nature of computers and cannot be accomplished by other tools available to historians today. Suggests that simulation games and databases be used to reduce the historian's unspoken biases when examining the conditions of historical…

Discusses a study of teaching methods used by university adult and continuing education tutors and how these methods were perceived and experienced by a sample of students. Findings indicate that role-playing, games, and simulation were infrequently used; students had negative opinions of more experiential methods; and students preferred…

Describes how an 11th-grade English teacher promoted active learning in her class through a hands-on project that required group problem solving, decision making, and technical writing skills. Discusses how the students simulated a toy factory by working collaboratively in teams to design, build, and market a LEGO toy. (RS)

Describes the development and current status of virtual reality (VR) and VR research. Market potentials for VR are discussed, including the entertainment industry, health care and medical training, flight and other simulators, and educational possibilities. A glossary of VR-related terms is included. (LRW)

Statistical identification of employees with unusual sick leave patterns can result in false-positive identifications. A computer simulation model was used to evaluate alternate methods of unusual sick leave detection for the New York State Department of Health. Results were used to refine identification parameters and modify supervisory…

A law school professor analyzed data on pass/fail grading and conventional grading in his legal negotiation class over 11 years to determine statistically significant differences in performance of the two groups of students. Grades for both negotiation simulation exercises and written papers were analyzed. Results showed differences between the…

Addresses teaching about the Vietnam War. Focuses on selecting literature and how to implement the "mines and booby traps simulation," which demonstrates the experience of an infantry soldier. Describes follow-up activities to the simulation, the connections students made between the simulation and literature, and the importance of simulation…

Discusses the four learning styles (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation) and the importance of matching teaching and learning styles. Outlines activities for a humanities course that coordinates appropriate teaching and learning styles. Provides appendices. (CMK)

Compares the academic performance of students exposed to either "wet" practical classes or "simulated" practicals. Assessed practical write-ups from pharmacology students using a simulation showed a mark significantly better than those doing the "wet" practical. Simulations can provide an aid to learning which is as effective as "wet" practicals,…

Describes a simulation exercise called "The Summit of the Americas" that enables students to apply economic concepts. Discusses the four segments of the simulation: (1) pre-negotiation phase; (2) negotiation phase; (3) the debriefing phase; and (4) an economic impact report. Addresses the issues involved when incorporating the simulation into a…