ToonTalk is an animated interactive world inside of which one can construct a very large range of computer programs. These programs are not constructed by typing text or arranging icons, but by taking actions in this world. Robots can be trained, birds can be given messages to deliver, and so on. This paper describes the design and preliminary…

Provided is a review of a high school/college level computer program (for Apple microcomputers) which consists of six simulations designed to introduce students to simple harmonic motion. Includes a discussion of the six simulations and such information as time needed, probable classroom use, source, and current cost. (JM)

Explains the unique benefits of using simulation software in place of physical experiments testing in high school science. Supplies detailed examples of students' usage. A sidebar presents vendors of simulation packages. (AEF)

Multimedia technology is an invaluable teaching and learning resource. One advantage of technology based education is the ability to combine practical applications, visualization of complex mathematical and abstract subjects, virtual labs, and guided use of simulation software. This article describes several multimedia tutorials for…

A growing body of empirical and theoretical work indicates that young children (grades K-3) have difficulties solving word problems because of deficient language and text comprehension strategies. Describes a computer simulation designed to model working memory demands in "bottom-up" comprehension of arithmetic word problems, offering a…

Presents five studies on the relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types and performance in a total enterprise simulation. Subjects were business students at a Midwestern university. Findings indicated no statistically supportable relationships and differed from previous research, possibly due to differences in population,…

Discusses improving mathematical reasoning through the design of computer microworlds and evaluates a computer-based learning environment that uses multiple representations to improve undergraduate students' conception of average speed. Describes improvement of students' estimates of average speed by using visual feedback from a simulation.…

Examines how the Internet serves the scientific research community. Highlights include collaboration and large group communication via e-mail; USENET discussion groups; advantages of the World Wide Web and software-based simulations; changes in information storage; and benefits and problems of electronic publishing and online journals. (AEF)

Describes the establishment of a library of computer images of histological preparations and the use of this library for computer-assisted instruction. Images from various organ systems along with line diagrams are stored on a central file server which can be accessed from remote terminals. The Fabric of Life program allows testing on each image…

Effectiveness of a computer simulation to teach endodontic diagnosis was assessed using three groups (n=34,32,24) of dental students. All were lectured on diagnosis, pathology, and radiographic interpretation. One group then used the simulation, another had a seminar on the same material, and the third group had no further instruction. Results…

Examines design and evaluation of computer-based role-playing. University students (n=41) were divided into two groups to use instructional programs with and without computer-based role-playing. Findings indicated that computer-based role-playing enhanced interpersonal skills development by employing a conversational model, offering opportunities…

Discusses research on different types of computer-based learning environments that indirectly foster self-explanations, and discusses ways of leveraging new computer and video technologies to enhance these environments by representing problem situations and their concepts dynamically. Concludes by suggesting that these learning environments can…

Reports on a study that compares the performance of students enrolled in two sections of a Web-based computer networking course: one utilizing a simulation package and the second utilizing a static, graphical software package. Analysis shows statistically significant improvements in performance in the simulation group compared to the…

Computerized infant simulators may deter early parenthood. A survey of 1,285 teenagers before and after simulation showed a significant change in some attitudes toward parenting. Males reported the strongest attitude change, while females began with more realistic understandings of parenting. Further study is needed to determine whether attitude…

The question of how children solve force and motion problems in computer simulations without explicit knowledge of the underlying physics was investigated. Keystroke sequences made by children were saved and analyzed, and children were interviewed to understand their perception of the relationship between keyboard input and on-screen action. (CW)