Describes a computer model characterizing the balance of soil-plant Nitrogen that allows students to see the likely consequences of different biological and weather-related parameters. Proposes three uses for the model: (1) orienting beginning students to understand the soil Nitrogen cycle; (2) providing information for advanced students; and (3)…

Describes a study that examined the accuracy and type of preservice teacher feedback to computer-simulated pupils. Accurate and inaccurate feedback when focusing on the accomplishments and deficiencies of the simulated pupils is examined, and patterns linking teachers' assessment of pupil performance with feedback during lesson interactions are…

This paper describes and evaluates the use of a molecular modeling computer program (Alchemy II) in a pharmaceutical education program. Provided are the hardware requirements and basic program features as well as several examples of how this program and its features have been applied in the classroom. (GLR)

Describes experiential learning instructional model and simulation for student principals. Describes interactive laser videodisc simulation. Reports preliminary findings about student principal learning from simulation. Examines learning approaches by unsuccessful and successful students and learning levels of model learners. Simulation's success…

Discussion of virtual reality and cyberspace focuses on applications in school media programs. Examples of fiction for adults and children dealing with these concepts, as well as related materials for educators, are suggested. The vast range of resources available to library media specialists through the Internet is also considered. (MES)

Reacts to Ohlsson, Ernst, and Rees' paper by initially discussing the costs of methodology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to model cognitive processes. Raises three concerns with the paper: insufficient clarification of the meaning of conceptual versus procedural understanding of base-10 subtraction; realism of the learning model; and…

A two-level model for factor analysis is defined, and formulas for a scoring algorithm for this model are derived. A simple noniterative method based on decomposition of total sums of the squares and cross-products is discussed and illustrated with simulated data and data from the Second International Mathematics Study. (SLD)

Describes the use of Smalltalk-80, a French programing language, to teach young children to program effectively using object-oriented concepts. Learning processes involving problem solving and programing are examined, the object-oriented environment is discussed, teacher training is described, and future work is suggested. (21 references) (LRW)

Two sets of real sorting data from 50 college students are used to compare results of multidimensional scaling of raw co-occurrence frequencies or dissimilarity measures (D) and profile distances (delta) to determine which yields a better representation of the underlying structure of 2 sets of stimuli. Slight differences are discussed. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study explores the robustness assumption in structural equation modeling of using a full information normal theory generalized least-squares estimation procedure on Type I censored data. The efficacy of the following proposed alternate estimation procedures is assessed: asymptotically distribution free estimator and a latent…

Discussion of educational computer simulations focuses on the parallel instruction theory that was developed at the University of Twente to combine the simulation with instructional materials, including those that may be printed. The MacTHESIS design system and philosophy are discussed, and simulation and learning environments based on the…

Elementary computer teacher describes a summer program in which fifth graders cooperatively created a computer-based city planning unit. Students strengthened math, writing, technology, and problem-solving skills as they organized and used a bank, purchased property, proposed and designed buildings, and assembled the futuristic city using a…

Considers the role of educational technology in two views of the school reform movement: one that demands more from the existing educational system, and one that calls for restructuring of the existing system. The effectiveness of technology is addressed, models for technology use are described, and technology and constructivism are discussed. (31…

Describes microcomputer-based courseware designed for the simulation of the microbiological analysis of drinking water, including digitalized color images. The use of HyperCard is described and evaluation procedures are explained, including evaluation of the learning and of the class. The evaluation questionnaires are appended. (20 references)…

The regression-discontinuity design involving a treatment interaction effect (TIE), pretest-posttest functional form specification, and choice of point-of-estimation of the TIE are examined. Formulas for controlling the magnitude of TIE in simulations can be used for simulating the randomized experimental case where estimation is not at the…