In a few select high schools in the U.S., supercomputers are allowing talented students to attempt sophisticated research projects using simultaneous simulations of nature, culture, and technology not achievable by ordinary microcomputers. Schools can get their students online by entering contests and seeking grants and partnerships with…

Describes how to enhance the benefits of using the Carmen Sandiego educational software programs by building in generous amounts of creative fun and writing activities. Discusses journal writing, character sketches, letter writing, writing a book, and report writing. (RS)

Discussion of educational games that can be configured to accommodate changes in the structure of the game focuses on MANAGEMENT 500, a microcomputer-controlled prototype business simulation game. Three modes of learning that can be emphasized through a configurable simulation game are explained: learning by discovery, by perseverance, and by…

Investigates the value of applying principles derived from simulated annealing to clustering tuples in database design, and compares this technique with a graph-collapsing clustering method. It is concluded that, while the new method does give superior results, the expense involved in algorithm run time is prohibitive. (24 references) (CLB)

Establishes a theoretical basis for both understanding and testing the molecular level assumptions in mixtures. Considers activity coefficient models and equation of state mixing rules. (YP)

Described are analytical applications of the theory of random processes, in particular solutions obtained by using statistical procedures known as Monte Carlo techniques. Supercomputer simulations, sampling, integration, ensemble, annealing, and explicit simulation are discussed. (CW)

Student teams in a senior capstone course in marketing completed microcomputer simulation in which they developed six-month marketing plan for a new product. A procedure similar to Kelly's Role Repertory Test was applied to define the role that various information sources played in their decision-making process, a means of determining the amount…

This study investigated the distributional properties of the standardized residual that is commonly used in the Rasch model calibration program to develop various indices of item and person fit. The power of the standardized residual to detect measurement disturbances is also addressed. (TJH)

Investigates the use of personal computer (PC) programs to help participants in simulation exercises transform their experiences into knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Six programs developed at Queensland Institute of Technology are described that involve operations management, strategic management, and macroeconomics. Examples of spreadsheets are…

This article presents a rationale for development and implementation of computer based interactive videotape (CBIV) in preservice teacher education; identifies advantages of CBIV simulations over other practice exercises; describes economical production procedures; discusses implications and importance of these simulations; and makes…

Compares two basic types of computer-based simulations--(1) variable-assignment simulations, and (2) diagnostic problem-solving simulations. Differences in the role of the computer, in the nature of the problem presented to the learner, and in the decision making required of the student are described. (eight references) (LRW)

A detailed description of a layered network model is provided, with computer simulations of key associative learning phenomena and predictions generated from the model. The model is compared to more conventional theories of learning to learn and configural learning. (SLD)

Reviews current research topics relating to computer simulations in German-speaking countries that emphasize problem solving and decision making. Topics discussed include the number of independent variables; studies that focus on personality characteristics; studies that focus on situational characteristics; and suggestions for further research…

Results are reported from a study designed to determine whether computer-based teaching simulation could influence short- and long-term skill acquisition in 61 preservice teachers. Two factors (task realism and clear, immediate post-teaching feedback) are identified as significant contributors to the simulation's training success. (IAH)

Hierarchical Bayes procedures for the two-parameter logistic item response model were compared for estimating item and ability parameters through two joint and two marginal Bayesian procedures. Marginal procedures yielded smaller root mean square differences for item and ability, but results for larger sample size and test length were similar.…