Simulations

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Simulations teach the student with reality based images. Teachers have the control of where and what the student interacts with. Throughout a simulation students must make decisions in order to keep progressing through the lesson. Simulations are engaging and exciting for the student. Students enjoy the interaction with real world situations and teachers like that the students are exposed to higher levels of critical thinking. (Berezowski et al., 2009) ======

Research has shown that simulations appeal to students that are on opposite ends of the spectrum; those that thrive in school and those that have a general malaise about school. The group that did not respond well to taking simulations was those very active students that enjoy a more hands-on approach to their learning. In addition to those that choose simulations, boys were more apt to work with simulations verses the girls that would like to work on computers or utilize hands-on lab situations. Simulations are recommended to be utilized in a blended situation and not solely relied upon for the complete lesson. (Spernjak, Puhenk, & Sorgo, 2010) Simulations are just as complex as any other forms of assessments.

Complete knowledge of the subject to be simulated is a primary requirement. In a simulation, students need to be able to change values, manipulate the direction of the simulation, and most importantly, the ability to see the affects of their choices. (Neumann, 2009) Simulations can be utilized for formative or simulative assessments. Simulations can add to any lessons by reinforcing the concept being taught; simulations can be summative with the help of a rubric that defines what is required from the student. (Berezowski et al., 2009) The most difficult challenge is deciding which simulation program is best for the subject.

ExtendSim is a computer-based software program that is highly regarded in the academic field. Educators and students can utilize this program for help in simulating any type of complex problem. Users are able to enter their parameters, change data and manipulate for possible outcomes. ExtendSims is a highly productive and expensive software system. As with anything – you get what you pay for. ([])

Softlist.net is a Web-based system that supplies numerous topical simulations for free. Most of these simulations are well suited to act as formative assessments; learning and understanding concepts that are important for subject lessons. Softlist.net provides different subjects for all academic topics. ([])

The ICONS Project is a Web-based system that is the most amazing program. “The ICONS Project advances learning by designing and delivering dynamic role-play simulations for students and educators worldwide.” (ICONS Project, 2011) This system provides a varied choice when it comes to choosing a simulation program; choices include in-class topics and global access interaction. The cost of the program is reasonable at $75 for a single-class of 40 students. Each student receives their individual login to participate at school or at home. For classes larger than 40 an additional charge of three dollars per student is required. ICONS Project is a result driven software system; in addition to simulations, ICONS provides access to a complete library system for additional research. (http://www.icons.umd.edu/secondary/learn_more/) Simulations are a real-world approach to teaching. Bloom’s Taxonomy strives to help teachers asks those higher-thinking questions and engage students to reach for those higher thoughts’. References Berezowski, K., Clark, T., Cochlin, S., Kargut, S., Kindrachuk, L., Klopoushak, A., …Todd, C. (2009). Instructional Strategies Online, retrieved from []

Neumann, D. L. (2010). Using Interactive Simulations in Assessment: The Use Of Computer-Based Interactive Simulations In The Assessment Of Statistical Concepts. //International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education//, 17(1), 43-51. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.

Spernjak, A. A., Puhek, M. M., & Sorgo, A. A. (2010). Lower Secondary School Students' Attitudes Toward Computer-Supported Laboratory Exercises. //International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning//, 23-26. doi:10.3991/ijet.v5s2.1228