Presents a method for simulating the behavior and perceptual deficits demonstrated by patients who have undergone the split brain surgical procedure. Presents several activities in which two volunteers are required to accomplish certain tasks as one person. Suggests that these activities show how split brain patients illustrate certain lateralized…

Discussion of communication between designers and users of information systems focuses on a review of seven participatory design techniques in terms of the communication dimensions found in the Lievrouw and Finn communication systems model. Implications for the development of more effective and appropriate design models and methods are suggested.…

Provides background information as an introduction to three articles on command and control simulations that involve police and fire departments. Elements of command and control situations are discussed, including leadership, management of people and resources, communication, and coordination; the effectiveness of simulations is considered; and…

Describes the development of a low-cost desktop simulator for basic training of train drivers that is being tested by British Rail. The use and advantages of digital video interactive (DVI) technology are explained, limitations of videodisks are noted, the design of the simulator is described, and future developments are considered. (LRW)

Discusses the value of educational simulation in enhancing teaching. It is effective because it is a realistic, active learning experience, it is highly interpersonal, there is an element of play, and it demands that participants think of ideas and implement strategies and solutions. (SM)

Describes projects at the University of Central Florida to test new training technologies under controlled but realistic settings. Original plans for an "Experimental Prototyping Classroom" are discussed; and current developments in language training research, gaming technology, and virtual environments are described. (EAM)

This article describes "Thinking Actively in a Social Context," a multiphase model to assist in the development of problem-solving courses based on student needs and experiences. An example of such an interdisciplinary course (simulating a new settlement on another planet) for high ability children in grades five, six, and seven is detailed. (DB)

This article examines the concept of interactivity and discusses human-to-human interactivity versus computer-to-human interaction in education. Levels of communicative interdependence are explained, variables that are important ingredients of interactivity are discussed, learner control is discussed, and two interactive instructional systems are…

A method is proposed for sequential evaluation of reliability of psychometric instruments. Sample size is unfixed; a test statistic is computed after each person is sampled and a decision is made in each stage of the sampling process. Results from a series of Monte-Carlo experiments establish the method's efficiency. (SLD)

Four mentally retarded adults received single case instruction, followed by general case instruction, on washing machine and dryer use, using either actual appliances or simulation. Generalization errors were affected by single/general case instruction, not by use of simulated versus natural conditions. General case simulation was more efficient…

Considers three main components of self-directed learning: (1) topic knowledge; (2) procedural skills; and (3) self-monitoring. The role of computer-assisted instruction in autonomous learning is discussed, software that fosters independent problem solving is reviewed, and it is recommended that computers be incorporated in courses emphasizing…

Four children (ages 5-8) with tracheostomies were taught to self-administer a suctioning procedure via doll-centered simulations. Performance of all children improved as a function of training; skill maintenance was demonstrated during followup; and participants revealed high levels of satisfaction with outcomes. (Author/JDD)

A computer program that replaces a set of pharmacology and physiology laboratory experiments on live animals or isolated organs is described and illustrated. Five experiments are simulated: dose-effect relationships on smooth muscle, blood pressure and catecholamines, neuromuscular signal transmission, acetylcholine and the circulation, and…

Suggestions for teaching trial practice in law school curriculum are offered, including creating one's own trial problems; making students engage in careful, creative fact investigation; avoiding prepared presentations by witnesses; using surprise; thinking through the simulation's likely course in the classroom; and using first year students for…

Elementary performance tests and situational or simulation tests may be combined for comprehensive testing of open skills, i.e., a worker's competency in reacting to unpredictable situations. Elementary performance tests capture the professional skills whereas simulation tests retain realism and complexity and allow variation in responses.…