Describes design principles followed in developing an interactive microcomputer-based simulation to study financial and economic aspects of the Dutch social security system. The main goals are to improve participants' insights into the formal simulation model, and to improve policy development skills. Plans for future research are also discussed.…

Reports on a study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of different instructional approaches on chemistry laboratory achievement. Investigated differences in achievement in spectrophotometry among college freshmen who received either traditional, learning cycle, or computer simulation instruction. Results indicated that students…

Describes a course recently developed at the University of Pennsylvania in mechanical engineering which emphasizes computer applications to laboratory instruction. Discusses the course objectives and explains the computer simulations and experiments utilized in the course. (TW)

Briefly describes eight applications of computers to the teaching of chemistry. Includes discussions of computer software designed for organic synthesis experiments, spectrum band analyses, and the memorization of chemical terminology. Discusses new ways to store and retrieve information, interface plotters and computers, and use pocket computers.…

Explains the functions of and the techniques employed in expert systems. Offers the program "The Periodic Table Expert," as a model for using artificial intelligence techniques in BASIC. Includes the program listing and directions for its use on: Tandy 1000, 1200, and 2000; IBM PC; PC Jr; TRS-80; and Apple computers. (ML)

Provides an annotated list of references for educators on using computers in the classroom and for researchers in gathering background materials in preparation of articles, grant proposals, and presentations. Focuses specifically on the topic of computer simulation. (ML)

Reviews "Scatter," a software package consisting of three programs designed to help students "see" results of particle scattering and representative concepts difficult to show in introductory laboratories. Includes source, equipment needed, physics level, time involvement, interaction, and nature of programs. Recommends only…

In the face of panic and life-threatening situations in a hospital emergency room (ER), doctors must rely on well-defined procedures to assess the situation and respond appropriately. Because decisions to act must not only be timely, but also ingrained and swift, practice and experience in a wide range of situations is essential. This paper…

Describes a program designed to improve public awareness/understanding of major factors in managing water resources. Use is made of an interactive computer simulator to place lay people and teachers in decision-making situations involving real variables and alternatives and to project for them the probable consequences of their water management…

Presents two examples of laboratory exercises using the World Wide Web for first-year medical students. The first example introduces the physical laws that apply to osmotic, chemical, and electrical gradients and a simulation of the ability of the sodium-potassium pump to establish chemical gradients and maintain cell volume. The second module…

Describes the use of an interactive multimedia computer program in the study of cardiovascular physiology. Scores on tests given immediately after completion of a two-hour animation program on the Cardiac Cycle and Introduction to Electrocardiography were significantly higher than pretest scores. Students who used the computer program achieved…

Describes a classroom exercise that uses a computer simulation to give students a rat's-eye view of a maze. The students call out instructions for navigating the maze. A follow-up presentation examines two theories of learning that explain why the students' are successful in their second navigating attempt. (MJP)

Reports results of surveys of faculty and students in Australian universities that were conducted to examine the use of computerized business simulations. Factors influencing the adoption of simulations are discussed, the effectiveness of various teaching methods are examined, evaluation of courses and simulations are described, and further…

Reviewed are "LABTECH NOTEBOOK,""LabVIEW," and "Parameter Manager pmPLUS/pmTALK." Each package is described including functions, uses, hardware, and costs. Advantages and disadvantages of this type of laboratory approach are discussed. (CW)

Describes a system which emulates a face-to-face classroom where groups of students can participate online using standard low cost personal computer hardware at the student's location. Provides an overview, rationale, assumptions, design problems, and limitations of the program. Discusses alternative uses and evaluation of the technique. (MVL)