One of the problems that we have found when teaching human physiology in a Spanish medical school is that the degree of understanding by the students of the integration between organs and systems is rather poor. We attempted to remedy this problem by using a case discussion method together with the Quantitative Circulatory Physiology (QCP)…

Empirical evidence is needed to corroborate the intuitions of gamers and game developers in understanding the benefits of Immersive Virtual Worlds (IVWs) as a learning environment and the role that music plays within these environments. We report an investigation to determine if background music of the genre typically found in computer-based…

While digital virtual worlds have been used in education for a number of years, advances in the capabilities and spread of technology have fed a recent boom in interest in massively multi-user 3D virtual worlds for entertainment, and this in turn has led to a surge of interest in their educational applications. In this paper we briefly review the…

Most people have at least secondhand knowledge about Second Life, a virtual-reality world created by Linden Lab, in which avatars (digital characters) lease "islands" for real-life purposes--to sell products, conduct classes, do research, hold conferences, and even recruit for admissions. About nine million avatars reportedly interact on this…

Although engagement and learning appear linked, quantitatively measuring this relationship is challenging. New technologies offer a window into studying the interactions among classroom activity, student engagement, and positive learning outcomes in computer-equipped classrooms. A Classroom Behavioral Analysis System (CBAS) was developed to…

Cross-validation, an economical method for assessing whether sample results will generalize, is discussed in this paper. Cross-validation is an invariance technique that uses two subsets of the data sample to derive discriminant function coefficients. The two sets of coefficients are then used with each data subset to derive discriminant function…

Describes the development of two interactive computer simulations which were fully integrated with other course materials. The simulations illustrate the effects of various real and monetary "demand shocks" on aggregate income, interest rates, and components of spending and economic output. Includes an evaluation of the simulations'…

Computer sampling from a multivariate normal spherical population was used to evaluate Type I error rates for a test of P = I based on Fisher's tanh(sup minus 1) variance stabilizing transformation of the correlation coefficient. (Author/TJH)

Reviews "The U.S. Constitution Then and Now," a two-unit program using the integrated database and word processing capabilities of AppleWorks. For grades 7-12, the units simulate the constitutional convention and the principles of free speech and privacy. Concludes that with adequate time, the program can provide a potentially powerful…

Results of the two surveys (combined n = 145) show that historians are using computers for word processing, research, and teaching support. Only a third of the respondents indicated they were using computers in the classroom, however. The most frequently reported classroom uses were student projects, simulations, and tutorials. (JDH)

Favorably reviews "The Other Side," a global conflict resolution simulation available for high school social studies classes. Maintains that this program is well worth the time and effort required to integrate it into the study of modern history and international relations. (JDH)

Describes a scheme for the mechanization of fixed-wing, lateral/directional dynamics as demonstrated on the EAI 580 analog/hybrid system. A review of the complete six degrees of freedom program is included, along with useful guidelines of aircraft simulation in the engineering laboratory. (Author/JN)

The ANDS (A Natural Deduction System) model, described in this article, is a psychological theory of propositional reasoning that makes explicit assumptions about memory and control in deduction. A computer simulation of the ANDS model yields proofs similar to those of untrained subjects. (Author/BW)

A computer simulation was designed to expose special educators to some consulting situations. The Mastery Test was given to 19 special educators before and after they completed the simulation. Results indicated that the simulation enabled Ss to choose strategies significantly more like those of expert consulting teachers. (Author/CL)

A computer-based strategy for illustrating the central limit theorem is described which introduces students to the important concept of a simulation model. The computer program is included. (MNS)