Covariance structure modeling by LISREL was used in an analysis of relations between intellectual ability, as measured by the Finnish version of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA), and achievement in reading, writing, foreign language, and mathematics in longitudinal data on 234 Finnish school children. The validity of the ITPA…

This article reviews five modes of computer-assisted software so that teachers will be more aware of them and use computers more in their classrooms. The five modes are the following: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial; (3) simulation; (4) demonstration; and (5) instructional games. Teachers should review softwares and choose those that meet…

This overview of computer uses in occupational training discusses three computer-based training modes--embedded, stand-alone, and adjunct training. An adjunct training system is described which captures task realism through a simulation to teach the use of a command and control system. A pilot study of this adjunct system's use is described.…

Describes use of computer simulation which generates bird songs so that students can analyze song motifs and sequences as an introduction to descriptive analysis of behavior in an animal behavior course. Advantages of the simulation are discussed together with computer hardware/software needed and data presentation, analysis, and generation…

Describes three stages encountered by schools in efforts to join computer revolution, using developmental theories of Marx and Piaget. Typically use of computers begins by being province of one knowledgeable teacher, then moves to diffusion and subsequent disillusionment. Argues that transition directly to final tool-use stage may be best way for…

Discusses the advantages of basing computer simulations on analogues of nature rather than mathematical models. Explains the concept of heritability and describes how a computer simulation can help undergraduate students understand this concept. (ML)

Presents a model for building a concept-oriented computer simulation which involves five steps: (1) topic selection and resource gathering; (2) developing objectives and lesson activities; (3) selecting and formulating simulation factors; (4) program coding and debugging; and (5) developing student worksheets. Students act as tax advisors in the…

Portrays development of a personal-computer laboratory for engineering majors at Washington Univertsity, St. Louis; reviews issues addressed by the lab including access, security, administration, and standardization of personal-computer configuration; and describes computer-based courses offered by the lab and computer software developed for…

Discusses the nature and effectiveness of computer simulations. Also discusses the development of simulations, providing an example of a simulation which deals with population growth. A sample lesson plan related to the simulation is included. (JN)

This article describes the method and the development of microdata simulation modeling over the past two decades. After tracing a brief history of this evaluation method, its problems and prospects are assessed. The effects of this research method on the development of the social sciences are examined. (JAZ)

Discusses the efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to make interactive video an integral part of foreign language instruction. Interactive video is seen as a method which could profoundly alter the old classroom model of language instruction. (Author/SED)

Defines the term "simulation"; discusses role of instructional simulations, particularly computer-based; describes what constitutes an effective simulation and its appropriate use; and reviews several specific examples of computer simulations, emphasizing nature and quality of student interaction with the model. (MBR)

Describes (in separate articles): computer simulations in science education; how junior high school students revised an experiment; a framework for assessment in science; physics, relevance, and understanding; a science module for a sixth form general studies course; and assessment of providing science education for the 16-19 age group. (JN)

Describes a package of computer programs developed to implement an oil exploration game that gives undergraduate students practical experience in applying theoretical principles of petroleum geology. The programs facilitate management of the game by the instructor and enhance the learning experience. (Author/MBR)

Provides examples which illustrate how microcomputers can facilitate various aspects of chemistry instruction, focusing on computer assisted instruction (CAI) and on the simulation of chemistry experiments. Brief comments on writing CAI programs are also included. (JN)