1

EDT321

Summer Session

Technology for Learning

Instructional Simulations

2

EDT321

Summer Session

Can you use a computer to learn to…

fly a plane?dissect a frog?shut down a nuclear plant in an

emergency?perform knee replacement

surgery?

3

EDT321

Summer Session

Where are simulations used?

Telecommunication Business and finance Transportation Defense and military Health/Medical Education Weather forecasting Etc.

4

EDT321

Summer Session

Objectives

Describe how simulation is used for learning

Evaluate the instructional soundness of three web-based simulations

5

EDT321

Summer Session

Definition

Model of something realNot real itselfCan be manipulated by the userProvides feedback for actions

6

EDT321

Summer Session

Games and Demonstrations

Games can be simulationsDemonstrations can be

simulationsNot all games and

demonstrations are simulations Must simulate something real Must allow for user interaction

7

EDT321

Summer Session

Simulation Types

Animation or spatial models If-then process modelsScenario-based, role-playingWhat-if interactive modelsVirtual reality or immersive

simulationHands-on software practice

8

EDT321

Summer Session

Instructional Simulations

Goals or objectives for knowledge or behavior

Skill or concept will be used in a real world setting

Complexity appropriate for learning objectives

Allows problem-solving or decision-making opportunity

Feedback about progress is provided

9

EDT321

Summer Session

How does a simulation work?

Replicates or imitates some aspect of the world or environment

Requires learner interactionAllows practice until masteredProvides feedback for actions

10

EDT321

Summer Session

Strengths

Accelerates learning

Anywhere access Lower costs to

deliver Increases attention

span Interactive Compresses time

and space

Safe environment Practice Feedback Hands-on learning Discovery learning Visualize complex

or abstract processes

Allows predictions

11

EDT321

Summer Session

Weaknesses

Accessibility depends on available technology

Computer literacy requiredMay need background informationCostly to develop initially

12

EDT321

Summer Session

Simulations for instruction

Goals and directionsWhy simulation is being used

(learning, practice, information)Awareness of final result Is the simulation user friendly?

13

EDT321

Summer Session

Simulation Checklist

Real Fun Accessible Clear Educational

Sim 1 Sim 2 Sim 3

Real

Fun

Acc.

Clear

Educ.

TOTAL

Rate each from 1-10

14

EDT321

Summer Session

Realism

Simulation is relevant Feels familiarWorks as expectedPlausible Easy to make transfer from

simulation to real world

15

EDT321

Summer Session

Fun

Want to keep playing, or play again

Easy to useCould be personalizedSome surprisesPlayer collaboration or team

competition

16

EDT321

Summer Session

Accessible

Works as expected on computer Loads quickly, works well

No forms to fill out to beginCan be finished in time allowedDoesn’t cause frustration

17

EDT321

Summer Session

Clear

Instructions clearGoals stated at beginning or are

obviousDecisions are linked to simulation

outcomesNot biased Don’t get lost

18

EDT321

Summer Session

Educational

Skill or concept will be used in a real world setting

Allows problem-solving or decision-making

Practice availableFeedback about progress is

providedKnowledge of goal success

19

EDT321

Summer Session

www.isodynamic.com

Click Click

20

EDT321

Summer Session

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/monitor/engine2.html

Roll mouse over Operating Instructions

21

EDT321

Summer Session

Practice Find three web-based simulations to evaluate

Use URL list (Simulation Sites) provided by instructor

Complete an evaluation checklist

Post the checklist to your www folder, hyperlink it to your website and send it to your instructor through the Digital Drop Box

Score each category from 1 (low) to 10 (high)Your opinion only – no right or wrong answers!