Based on the view that the level of market penetration of video games combined with the high levels of realism portrayed in these games make it important to investigate the messages video games send children, this report details a study of the 10 top-selling video games for each of 6 game systems available in the United States and for personal…

This paper reports the findings of an ongoing study of engagement in computer-based learning environments. The purpose of the study was to look at what engages people in computer games and to see how those patterns of engagement might be used within computer-based learning environments. The age of participants ranged from four to adulthood.…

Questions about the implications of the new technologies for literacy, literacy teaching, and literacy practices provoke diverse and contradictory responses in the media, in policy documents, in state and national assessment surveys, and among teachers themselves. On one hand, the need for literacy to be reconceptualized and redefined in the face…

Illustrates how teachers and librarians can use competitive activities to motivate children to read and to encourage personal achievement and group cooperation. Discusses computer games and the group-oriented bees, bowls, circles and quiz contests. Notes the benefits in terms of social interaction, communication, resource-center use, and…

This exploratory study investigated the influence of two recreational computer games on children's subsequent performance on computer-based instructional tasks. Examined speed, correct solutions, and cognitive processes; and suggests that the extent of recreational game influence depends on how closely the game type matches the design of the tasks…

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)