Discussion of the impact of microcomputers on gaming focuses on converting a mainframe-based game to a microcomputer. Software, hardware, and documentation are considered, and a case study is presented that describes the conversion of a mainframe-based management game--the Credit Union Management Game--to a microcomputer. (11 references) (LRW)

Rationalizes using software not designed for English as a second language (ESL) instruction for such application. Criteria for evaluating such software are identified, and some general software that seem to have potential ESL applications are listed. (CB)

At present computers in schools are misconceived; they are better conceptualized as a source of energy. The energy metaphor is applied to three categories of functions associated with computers in schools: curriculum functions, teaching functions, and learning functions. (IAH)

Recounts personal experiences in the design of simulations/gaming for city development and planning. Notes early games and describes the development of three land use and city growth games. Discusses revisions, conference demonstrations of the games, and collaborative efforts. (AEF)

Examines the connection between symptoms commonly related to severe mental illness in individuals, and compares it to the presence of potential "psychic triggers" identified as attributes found in the design and use of virtual reality. (Author/AEF)

Investigated the effect of computer programs that require the use of spatial skills on third and fourth graders' spatial ability. Students who used a software program that required rotation of objects scored better than other students on a measure of figural classification, but not on a measure of object rotation. (BC)

Describes accomplishments of the Global Systems Analysis and Simulation (GLOSAS) project from 1973 to the present, including a system for global peace gaming. The capabilities of interactive multimedia to link people across political and geographic boundaries for joint study, debate, research, planetary problem solving, and political action are…

Reviews the development and the principal elements of total quality management (TQM) and demonstrates methods for introducing some of the key elements into a strategy-oriented business simulation game that can be used to teach future managers. Topics discussed include increased focus on the customer; continuous improvement; and competitive…

Reviews five CD-ROM products: (1) "Our Earth," part of the National Geographic Wonders of Learning series; (2) "New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia"; (3) "The Lost Tribe," a simulation game where players lead a prehistoric people to a new homeland; (4) "PilgrimQuest," a simulation game recreating the settlement of Massachusetts in the 1620s; and…

Compared commercial ratings of electronic games with ratings by 201 fourth graders. There was general agreement for games with obviously nonviolent or very violent content, but much more disagreement about the violence in cartoon-type games. Recommends including consumer perceptions in a rating system. (SLD)

Explored the role computer games can play in providing learning opportunities for resource-deprived students. After exposure to the games as individuals and in groups, the English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency of resource-deprived learners showed great improvement. (EV)

For the thirty-seventh year, the Research and Theory Division and the Division of Instructional Design of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) sponsored the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. This year's Proceedings…

Intended for learners with a basic familiarity with the Logo programming language, this manual is designed to introduce them to artificial intelligence and enhance their programming capabilities. Nine chapters discuss the following features of Logo: (1) MAZE.MASTER, a look at robots and how sensors make machines aware of their environment; (2)…

The potential to use mathematics software to enhance student thinking and development is discussed and a taxonomy of software categories is outlined in this paper. Briefly, there are five categories of tool-based mathematics software that can be used fruitfully in a mathematics curriculum: (a) review and practice, (b) general, (c) specific, (d)…

The Computer-Based Memorization System (CBMS), which specifies the facts that students are to know and how well the facts are to be known, uses a compiled form of an associative network for its knowledge database. (An associative network is a knowledge representation that uses associations for its basic representation of knowledge.) The CBMS…