Presents two short microcomputer programs which illustrate features of nonlinear dynamics, including steady states, periodic oscillations, period doubling, and chaos. Logistic maps are explained, inclusion in undergraduate chemistry and physics courses to teach nonlinear equations is discussed, and applications in social and biological sciences…

A method for estimating the first eigenvalue of random data correlation matrices is reported, and its precision is demonstrated via comparison to the method of S. J. Allen and R. Hubbard (1986). Data generated in Monte Carlo simulations with 10 sample sizes reaching up to 1,000 were used. (SLD)

Discussion of educational software evaluation highlights an evaluation based on program instrumentation of a medical school simulation program. Evaluation strategies are discussed; evaluation techniques, including interviews, questionnaires, and observation are described; and implications of the results of the program instrumentation for the…

Describes the "Buffon's Needle" problem, which is calculating the probability that a needle will cross one of two separated lines. Calculates the probability when the length of the needle is greater than the space of the two lines. Provides an analytic solution and the results of a computer simulation. (YP)

The application of operations research and computers is providing school bus routing and scheduling to five California counties. Illustrates the system requirements, steps for computerized calculations, a sample bus assignment report, and three data files. (MLF)

This bibliography contains selected journal articles and documents from the ERIC database which present an overview of current and proposed usage of electronic devices in preservice teacher education, with some analyses of results. (IAH)

Achievement test scores from 144 Missouri students were used to assess the instructional effectiveness of a microcomputer simulation in teaching a secondary vocational agriculture course. Microcomputer simulation as a teaching strategy was shown to be as effective as the normal lecture/discussion method. (Author/JOW)

Presented is a simulation program for Apple II computer which assays the effects of a series of variables on bacterial growth and interactions between microbial populations. Results of evaluation of the program with students are summarized. (CW)

Presents the LOGO computer language as a source to experience and investigate scientific laws. Discusses aspects and uses of LOGO. Lists two LOGO programs, one to simulate a gravitational field and the other projectile motion. (MVL)

Teacher education at University of Virginia incorporates computer-based simulations to assist preservice teachers to develop decision making skills. A Clinical Instructor Program identifies, selects and trains inservice teachers to work with preservice teachers in field settings in ways that are likely to encourage reasonable decision making. (IAH)

Satisfactory results for interpersonally incomparable ordinal survey responses can be obtained by assuming that rankings are based upon a set of multivariate normal latent variables that satisfy factor or ideal point models of choice. Two statistical methods based upon those assumptions are described and illustrated via simulations. (TJH)

Investigates the problem of finding the expected number of questions necessary to identify 1 out of a set of 30 attribute blocks. Solutions include the use of a tree diagram or a computer simulation. Generalizes the problem for increased numbers of attributes. (MDH)

Describes a simulation-oriented computer microworld named CHANCE used to overcome the limitations of physical materials for experiments in teaching and learning introductory probability. Results of a teaching experiment conducted with four middle school and high school students are discussed. (15 references) (LZ)

Two new methods of estimating the mean population correlation (M) and the standard deviation of population correlations (SD) were suggested and tested by Monte Carlo simulations. Results show no consistent advantage to using the Pearson correlation or Fisher's Z in estimating M or SD; estimates from all methods are similar. (SLD)

Describes "Story Producer for InteractivE Learning" (SPIEL) a multimedia retrieval system for educational stories, and its integration into an architecture called "Guided Social Simulation" (GuSS), for teaching complex social skills such as management, diplomacy, or selling. Highlights include an example of the use of SPIEL,…