Hardware for computer-assisted learning is discussed in three papers. Two papers report on projects using computer graphics, one for teaching structural analysis to university students and the other to teach graph concepts at the secondary level. Guidelines for selecting microcomputers focus on analyzing applications and matching them with…

Research during the past decade suggests that integrating computing technology in general, and mobile computers in particular, into the educational environment has positive effects. This is the first long-term study of high school Personal Digital Assistant use. It involved three-parts, 146 students during four years. Part one found that PDA use…

This report presents the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of how well the higher education system in Nevada will meet the challenges of the future of current trends and patterns continue. The report contains three parts that present the data analysis, the key issues the Nevada Board of Regents confronts, with possible responses to…

The Community Access Through Technology Project (CATT) is developing and implementing virtual reality software that persons with disabilities can use to experience a physical location prior to visiting it in person. A virtual scenario of one physical location has been developed, implemented, and tested, and work is underway on two others. Using a…

This paper reports on efforts to design a computer-based instructional unit for 7th grade students that would not only address state standards but would also provide some groundwork for the students' subsequent formal study of algebra. SimCalc Mathworlds software was used to explore the same motion from different perspectives. The overall…

Software designed to promote the use of open-ended investigations in science education was evaluated in a study of whether using case-based simulation enhances students' understanding of ethical issues and data interpretation in science. The software was a DNA gel electrophoresis simulation that enabled students to conduct simulated genetic tests.…

Describes experiences at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) with the use of simulation software in life sciences laboratories and discusses the results of evaluation procedures that included confidence logs, questionnaires, interviews, and grades. A table of statistical results relevant to confidence log comparisons and the postcourse…

Explores what kinds of calculus-related insights seem to typify calculus-related reasoning. Introduces "qualitative calculus" in which learning is focused on synthesis. Discusses the resemblance and difference between traditional calculus and qualitative calculus, advantages of learning qualitative calculus, and how understanding qualitative…

Synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space sciences through interactive simulations. Describes specific instances in which common current practice is problematic. Makes suggestions regarding improved design principles for such…

Efficiency, precision, and concurrent validity of results from adaptive and fixed-item music listening tests were studied using: (1) 2,200 simulated examinees; (2) 204 live examinees; and (3) 172 live examinees. Results support the usefulness of adaptive tests for measuring skills that require aurally produced items. (SLD)

This study examined the effect of video-based contextualized advisement and competition on transfer of mathematics skills in a computer-based simulation game in which participants helped their "aunt and uncle" fix up a house. Participants were 123 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Results indicated an interaction between competition…

The results of a simulation model of a queuing system are reported. Use in an introductory quantitative analysis course to enhance students' computer and quantitative modeling knowledge is described. (CW)

A computer-based replacement for an electronics laboratory experiment was created and tested on second-year undergraduate students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southampton (England). Responses, assessed by questionnaire, showed that computer-assisted learning techniques provide a viable means for teaching…

Describes a study that examined the accuracy and type of preservice teacher feedback to computer-simulated pupils. Accurate and inaccurate feedback when focusing on the accomplishments and deficiencies of the simulated pupils is examined, and patterns linking teachers' assessment of pupil performance with feedback during lesson interactions are…

Describes experiential learning instructional model and simulation for student principals. Describes interactive laser videodisc simulation. Reports preliminary findings about student principal learning from simulation. Examines learning approaches by unsuccessful and successful students and learning levels of model learners. Simulation's success…