Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and virtual reality (VR) make possible powerful interactive stories, and this paper focuses on examples of virtual characters in three dimensional (3-D) worlds. Waldern, a virtual reality game designer, has theorized about and implemented software design of virtual teammates and opponents that incorporate AI…

Based on the development of self-knowledge in students, education providing exposure to cultural diversity at home and abroad is gaining acceptance among many teachers. Suggestions to implement cultural education in the schools are made, including teaching strategies and materials. (JH)

THE USE OF A COMPUTER PROGRAM BY ENGINEERING STUDENTS TO SIMULATE A JOB SHOP THAT MANUFACTURES ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAS INDICATED THAT SIMULATION METHODS OFFER REALISTIC ASSISTANCE IN TEACHING. EACH STUDENT IN THE STUDY SUBMITTED SPECIFICATIONS FOR A CIRCUIT DESIGN AND, FROM THE COMPUTER, RECEIVED PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS OF THE CIRCUIT WHICH…

El Barrio is a simulation game representing the experience of Chicanos newly arrived in the urban barrio from rural areas. Players try to make friendship ties, avoid trouble with the police, improve their English, get citizenship papers, buy a car, and participate in the payoffs of the system. The game is played through a physical representation…

If inservice education is to strongly affect teacher attitudes, it must be given higher priority and made part of the total package of curriculum improvement in schools. To achieve this higher priority, alternative modes for inservice education must be developed and both universities and school systems must find ways to work cooperatively to make…

Describes development of the Hospice Environmental Survey (HES) to measure user's perception of the homelike atmosphere provided by a hospital inpatient unit called Hospice House. Presents the HES instrument, methodology, and pilot study data. (Author/NB)

Describes "Looking Glass," the Financial Services Industry, and other simulations for management training seminars. The article examines how the games teach decision making and allow participants to become involved. It also discusses the future of computer-based training and the costs of such programs. (CT)

Reported are results of a study which compared a traditional method of teaching office practice with a simulation method using MOE Simulation materials. It was found that using simulation was more effective in developing attitudes and personality traits important to the office worker. (SC)

Describes a class project where children found ways to adapt to routines, situations, and events of a real community to a simulated society in the classroom. (GB)

At the Dade County Public Schools Management Assessment Center, Florida, a selection procedure for principals and assistant principals incorporates performance measures into the screening process. The would-be principals participate in simulations of a principal's office, a parent conference, and a teacher observation exercise. (MLF)

An office simulation devised at an Oregon community college is now being offered in other U.S. and Canadian colleges and high schools. Each simulation employs from 4 to 36 individuals in three areas: main office, training division, and supportive services (customers, bank, etc.). "Employees" rotate positions every three weeks. (AJ)

Provides a simulation based on Marco Polo's journey. Demonstrates the hardships of 13th century travel by presenting students with difficult choices under challenging and primitive environmental conditions. Includes suggestions for class activities prior to using the simulation. (LS)

Describes the architecture of a distributed, networked, multimedia learning environment for macroeconomics, which employs gaming and simulation methods. Details include a conceptualization of the system and discussion of its function and structure. (JKP)

This paper describes an interactive modelling, simulation, animation, and real-time control (MoSART) environment for a class of 'cart-pendulum' electromechanical systems that may be used to enhance learning within differential equations and linear algebra classes. The environment is useful for conveying fundamental mathematical/systems concepts…