Applications of computer-graphics animation for motion-perception research

The advantages and limitations of using computer animated stimuli in studying motion perception are presented and discussed. Most current programs of motion perception research could not be pursued without the use of computer graphics animation. Computer generated displays afford latitudes of freedom and control that are almost impossible to attain through conventional methods. There are, however, limitations to this presentational medium. At present, computer generated displays present simplified approximations of the dynamics in natural events. Very little is known about how the differences between natural events and computer simulations influence perceptual processing. In practice, the differences are assumed to be irrelevant to the questions under study, and that findings with computer generated stimuli will generalize to natural events

A study of spatial data management and analysis systems

The Earth Resources Laboratory of the NASA Stennis Space Center is a center of space related technology for Earth observations. It has assumed the task, in a joint effort with Jackson State University, to reach out to the science community and acquire information pertaining to characteristics of spatially oriented data processing

Applications of Simulation and Animation in Facilities Planning and Design

Recent developments of simulation software have made computer simulation and animation popular system problem-solving techniques. One field that has many potential applications for computer simulation and animation is in the area of facilities planning and design. The purpose of this paper is to provide the facilities planner with information to assist in determining when, why, how and what simulation software should be implemented to solve facilities planning and design problems. Also, the usefulness of simulation and animation to the facilities planner is evaluated and areas for improving software for future application in facilities planning and design are identified. TO assist in presenting these objectives, a sample facilities planning and design problem is modeled with Cinema software to illustrate the model-building process as well as the characteristics of simulation and animation software

Electronic Information in School Libraries

Microcomputers have progressed from toys to tools in managing school libraries. Equipment inventory, circulation, online catalogs, acquisitions, and serials management/check-in have all been affected. In addition, high technology has presented new possibilities for educating young people, and school librarians are faced with a role change as they rise to meet this challenge.published or submitted for publicatio

MITT writer and MITT writer advanced development: Developing authoring and training systems for complex technical domains

MITT Writer is a software system for developing computer based training for complex technical domains. A training system produced by MITT Writer allows a student to learn and practice troubleshooting and diagnostic skills. The MITT (Microcomputer Intelligence for Technical Training) architecture is a reasonable approach to simulation based diagnostic training. MITT delivers training on available computing equipment, delivers challenging training and simulation scenarios, and has economical development and maintenance costs. A 15 month effort was undertaken in which the MITT Writer system was developed. A workshop was also conducted to train instructors in how to use MITT Writer. Earlier versions were used to develop an Intelligent Tutoring System for troubleshooting the Minuteman Missile Message Processing System

Simulation modelling: Educational development roles for learning technologists

Simulation modelling was in the mainstream of CAL development in the 1980s when the late David Squires introduced this author to the Dynamic Modelling System. Since those early days, it seems that simulation modelling has drifted into a learning technology backwater to become a member of Laurillard's underutilized, ‘adaptive and productive’ media. Referring to her Conversational Framework, Laurillard constructs a pedagogic case for modelling as a productive student activity but provides few references to current practice and available resources. This paper seeks to complement her account by highlighting the pioneering initiatives of the Computers in the Curriculum Project and more recent developments in systems modelling within geographic and business education. The latter include improvements to system dynamics modelling programs such as STELLA®, the publication of introductory textbooks, and the emergence of online resources. The paper indicates several ways in which modelling activities may be approached and identifies some educational development roles for learning technologists. The paper concludes by advocating simulation modelling as an exemplary use of learning technologies ‐ one that realizes their creative‐transformative potential

Computer Aided Industrial Design

None provided

The use of microcomputers in mathematics teaching in Fiji

At the end of 1983 the Ministry of Education in Fiji informed schools that computers would be introduced in 1984. In February 1984 some selected schools received the first microcomputers. At a Conference on Computers in the Classroom, held in August 1984 at the University of the South Pacific. the Head of Mathematics at a senior secondary school said, in a paper presented at the conference: 'while there may have been some pre-planning at headquarters level it seems that no arrangement was made with individual schools.’ Amongst the problems highlighted in the paper by the Head of Mathematics was: 'the difficulty in deciding on a suitable type programme to offer to the students.' This thesis primarily concerns the application of microcomputers in teaching mathematics in Fiji. The author's experience shows that teachers in Fiji are aware of the need to respond to the microcomputer technology but this response is restricted due to the almost total lack of staff with even a basic knowledge of computers. [Continues.