SimulationsJ. Aaron Bolaños P.6076-12-2497

Definition

A simulation is a representation of an event or incident. It contains simulated elements.

It is a model made by a computer of a real or an imaginary system. It shows how effectively works.

Provides the opportunity to manipulate information that affects the experience.

Simulations Categories

o Physical Simulations: These offer the opportunity to manipulate objects represented in a screen.

o Process Simulations: These are based on experimentation with genetic rules, for example.

o Situational Simulations: These are from students’ situations to solve.

o Procedural Simulations: These show the appropiate sequence to perform a process.

Characteristics of Simulations Vision of Knowledge: At the time it is

developed a simulation, the teacher changes his way to provide information to students.

An Authentic Problem: Simulations are based of problems or real-life situations.

A context or Setting: All kind of simulations are based on an imaginary context. And this imaginary scenario it is represented in a series of graphics.

Variables: The teacher defines the various the different scenarios or steps that students will manipulate.

Rules of Interaction: These are directed by the interaction of the game and learning process.

Source of Simulation

Eductional Software Publishers

Commercial Software Publishers

On-Line Simulations

Advantages Associated to Computer SimulationsStudent involvementLow costSafety Better transferReduced threat and anxiety Encouragement of socialization and

collaborationAdjustments to realism to maximum

learningMaking the impossible, possible

Limitations Associated with Computer Simulations

Time demandsMore threat and anxietyAdoption of the material but not

the concept.Deciding when to intervene

directly is difficult.Objectives mismatchCompetitive focus

Teaching with SimulationsPresentation: Simulation require

a careful and detailed background preparation of students.

Debriefing: Teacher must provide to students a series of questions that must be develop in the simulation.

Group Work: Teaching with simulations enhances collaboration into the members of a group.

Conclusions

Simulations are a representative form of learning through technology.

Simulaltions provide a collaborative learning between the students.

At the time the teacher is presenting a topic with simulations, it requires a previous preparation.