Evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive computer-assisted learning program for undergraduate students that simulates experiments performed using isolated, everted sacs of rat small intestine. The program is designed to offer an alternative student-centered approach to traditional laboratory-based practical classes. Knowledge gain of students…

Describes the design of several CD-ROMs with different strategies and foci for teaching general chemistry with large databases of visual information. Presents a sample search with a CD-ROM. Discusses teacher resources including animations, visual databases for presentations, demonstration manuals, laboratory manuals, and encyclopedias as well as…

In a Foundations of Education course, teachers incorporated experiential learning in an extended exercise culminating in a school board meeting simulation. The exercise was designed to expose students to the varied roles of stakeholders in a typical school district and to challenge them with complex educational issues such as school funding and…

A way to assess knowledge acquired through simulation-based learning (intuitive knowledge) is presented. A "WHAT-IF" test item format is developed, and two pilot studies involving 74 college students responding to WHAT-IF items are described. The tests did tap improvement in learning, although test validity was only partially supportive.…

Discusses the rapid growth of digital games, describes research at MIT that is exploring the potential of digital games for supporting learning, and offers hypotheses about the design of next-generation educational video and computer games. Highlights include simulations and games; and design principles, including context and using information to…

Examines a lesson in which students are engaged in inquiry in evolutionary biology to develop better understanding of concepts and reasoning skills necessary to support knowledge claims about changes in the genetic structure of populations known as microevolution. Explains how a software simulation, EVOLVE, can be used to foster discussions about…

A study of 40 medical students who used an interactive child abuse computer simulation to learn clinical reasoning skills found that students thought the exercise was both interesting and educational. Performance on the simulation was not related to gender or experience but was related to academic performance. (CR)

Discusses the systems thinking approach that uses microcomputer-based simulations and modeling to enhance teaching and learning activities in middle school and high school instruction. Particular focus is placed on the Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Network project, part of a longitudinal study managed by Educational Testing Service.…

Describes 38 Internet resources focusing on current events and 1996 election news, listing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and special features for each. Other highlights include technological requirements for RealAudio and VDOLive, a campaign simulation game, and suggestions for incorporating all these resources into instruction. (LAM)

Discusses how simulation technology for the analysis of information systems (IS) supports human decision making. Examines online help and knowledge-based support, graphics, and visual interactive simulation (VIS) and animation. Concludes that there are opportunities to improve the decision support role of simulation technology in IS with enhanced…

Presents a lesson plan to teach students about the events leading to the U.S. entry into World War I. Explains that the students pretend to be U.S. senators and debate whether the United States should enter the war. Includes handouts for use with this lesson. (CMK)

Applies principles of constructivism and virtual reality (VR) to computer-aided design (CAD) curriculum, particularly engineering, by integrating network, VR and CAD technologies into a Web-based learning environment that expands traditional two-dimensional computer graphics into a three-dimensional real-time simulation that enhances user…

Described is a simulation game designed to reinforce the biological concepts of poisoning, encourage critical thinking and deductive reasoning, and be enjoyed by the students. Discussed is the plot design, the setting, the characters, the analysis, and results of the simulation. Examples of the data and case histories generated by this game are…

Maintains that the use of computers in the classroom produces motivated students, empowered learners, and increased literacy. Gives an example of the computer program "The Oregon Trail" in which students participate actively in a wagon train journey from Missouri to Oregon. Urges teachers to encourage students in their mastery of computer skills.…

Described is a simple technique to monitor air pollutants and to simulate some of the features of roadside canopies. Included are the procedures, directions for the assembly of the apparatus, and a discussion of typical results. Graphs of sample data are presented. (CW)