Explores ways in which 6-year-old children make sense of screen-based images on the computer. Uses both static and relatively dynamic software programs in the investigation. Suggests that young children should be exposed to activities that establish explicit links between 2D and 3D objects away from the computer before attempting difficult links…

Discussed is the history and elements of the personal computer. Its uses as a laboratory assistant and generic toolkit for mathematical analysis and modeling are included. The future of the personal computer in research is addressed. (KR)

Examines computer modeling of the reading process and the instructional technology of basals, the two pillars of Marilyn Adams text, "Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning about Print." Explains why the author believes Adams is fundamentally wrong in her theoretical approach to reading instruction. (MG)

Reviewed are two computer software packages including "ATOMS-Atomic Structure Display," and "Desktop Molecular Modeller." Discussed are hardware, components, level, cost, strengths, weaknesses, and value for teaching. (CW)

A method is proposed for the detection of item bias with respect to observed or unobserved subgroups, using a loglinear item response theory model assuming a Rasch model for ability and difficulty. A simulation study was performed with 200 sets of data to check the robustness of the method. (SLD)

Attaining the insight needed to solve the Mutilated Checkerboard problem, which requires discovery of an effective problem representation (EPR), is described. Performance on insight problems can be predicted from the availability of generators and constraints in the search for an EPR. Data for 23 undergraduates were analyzed. (TJH)

Creating a "city" in the classroom can be an effective way to teach daily living skills in math, social studies, nutrition, energy conservation, and other subjects. Students can learn about jobs such as grocery story cashier and bank teller, and can learn about earning, spending, and saving money. (PB)

Assessment of student performance in nursing education takes many forms: (1) the Real Clinical Situation Model; (2) the Quasi-Clinical Situation Model; (3) the Clinical Laboratory Simulation Model; and (4) the Clinicam Video Simulation Model. The New York Regents External Degree Program has a highly developed method of examining the proficiency of…

Using a simulation of the constitutional procedures on appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrates how the separation of powers established by the Constitution affects all three branches of government. Provides an outline of the simulation procedure, a lesson plan, and a brief bibliography. (LS)

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Covariance structures associated with linear structural equation models are discussed. Algorithms for computing maximum likelihood estimates (namely, the EM algorithm) are reviewed. An example of using likelihood ratio tests based on complete and incomplete data to improve the fit of a model is given. (SLD)

This study examined the impact of a biology course emphasizing computer simulation on student achievement and student attitudes toward science. The students in the experimental group were placed in a class limited to 16 students to have 2 students to each computer. (YP)

Discusses the history and development of gaming and suggests possible future developments. Highlights include models, simulations, and games; the use of games in the military, in social sciences, in business, and in education; the impact of computers on gaming; and the relationship among gaming, game theory, and social psychology. (LRW)

Discusses the effectiveness of the use of simulations and games as alternative approaches to learning. Criteria for evaluating games and simulations for use in the classroom are given, and steps involved in the design of simulations and nonsimulation games are described. (LRW)

Outlines a three-equation simulation model which can be used to explain different types of inflation. Demonstrates the use of the model in accomplishing instructional objectives. Supports the use of the model as a replacement for the mathematical tool commonly used by economists but beyond the abilities of students. (KO)