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Simulations
What is it? 
An Educational simulation refers to an imitation of a real scenario, process, activity, or state of affairs. Participation in a simulation requires the student to perform specific tasks that emulate real life situations or scenarios.
Simulations
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Assessment:
- Instructors can evaluate student decision making skills.
- Students can be evaluated in the context of real world scenarios.
- Students can modify behaviors based on simulation feedback and results.
- Student errors are easily corrected.
Critical Thinking:
- Simulations provide students with activities that encourage solving realistic problems using previously learned knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
- Students can formulate and test their own hypotheses and processes to solve problems.
- Simulations provide students with active, discovery learning activities.
- Learning is shifted from a teacher-centered approach to a student-centered approach.
- Students use problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
Real World Considerations:
- Potentially dangerous situations and scenarios can be emulated with simulations.
- High cost experiments and scenarios can be conducted via simulation.
Simulations
Can I see an example?
Simulations
How do I get started?
There are many simulations available for free on the internet at sites such as The Sim Exchange which is a prediction game in which gamers predict the sales of console hardware and upcoming video games by playing a fantasy stock market.
There are many ways to build custom simulations using software and tools such as:
Simulations can also be built using simple web design tools and the inclusion of well structured activities. For an example of how to design effective simulations visit The Instructional Design tutorials that were developed for the Partnership in Global Learning at the University of Florida.Simulations
Where can I learn more?
- Computer Simulations in Distance Education: An article from the Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning discussing current research on computer simulations.
- Simulation Education: A Web page dedicated to the design, development, and implementation of educational simulations worldwide.
- Simulations in Education - A Primer: A tutorial explaining simulations in education.
- Use of Computer Simulations in Distance Education - PDF: An article discussing simulations in distance education including uses, problems, and effectiveness.
- Wikipedia - Simulation: Detailed explanation and examples of simulations including a section on simulations in education.
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