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One might say simulation is a re-enactment of real-life events or situations. Simulation is an instructional method where students learn by doing. In order, to keep students engaged educators should incorporate stimulating assignments in the classroom. Simulation strategy is a student and teacher centered strategy. The teacher sets the parameters of the real-life event, but the student models the behavior. Simulation is a very hands-on learning experience where educators utilize technology to replicate real life experiences or events. Through simulation learning, students can build their own robot, grow their own vegetables, or explore outer space in space shuttle.
-Aldona Ploplys, Tracie Roberson, and Courtney R. Peterson
Advantages
Advantages
One advantage of simulation as an instructional strategy is that students learn and understand from personal experience. -Aldona Ploplys
Another advantage of simulation as an instructional strategy is that using this strategy can increase long-term retention with content. -Aldona Ploplys
The learner can practice with ease without fear of harming themselves or others in life like situations. (Tracie Roberson)
It can be used with any age group from elementary to college. (Tracie Roberson)
https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Unit_2:_Advantages_and_disadvantages_of_simulation_in_the_classroom%3F
Using the stimulation strategy students are able to model professions which may give them insight into future career paths (Courtney R. Peterson)
Using the stimulation strategy will increase students communication skills
(Courtney R. Peterson)
Disadvantages
Disadvantages
One disadvantage of simulation as an instructional strategy is the cost. Some of the tools and technologies can be expensive to keep up with. - Aldona Ploplys
Another disadvantage of simulation as an instructional strategy is it might not meet the needs of all students in the classroom. Some students aren't social people and don't prefer this type of learning. -Aldona Ploplys
There is always error involved. Regardless of how sophisticated the simulation is, simulations cannot exactly mirror real-life situations. (Tracie Roberson)
Simulation updates can be costly. (Tracie Roberson)
https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Unit_2:_Advantages_and_disadvantages_of_simulation_in_the_classroom%3F
Using the stimulation strategy may not aid in critical thinking, It only aids in re-enactment of real life events (Courtney R. Peterson)
Using the stimulation strategy may overly simplify real-life events (Courtney R. Peterson)
Technologies for Simulation Learning
Technologies for Simulation Learning
1.) Virtual Laboratory Packages: Virtual lab packages offer teachers many different experiments for educators to conduct with the class. These packages focus mainly on science and math and encourage experimenting, documenting, and much more. This is one great way for educators to turn their classroom into a laboratory!
2.) BEAM System: The BEAM system is an interactive floor projection program. This program can get kids moving by projecting games on the floor centered around reading, language arts, math, and more! Teachers can move desks and turn their floor into alphabet lily pads to jump on or whatever game suits their kids.
BEAM Interactive Projection System
3.) PHET Interactive Simulations: These are research-based, digital simulations for teaching physics, chemistry, math, and more sciences. The simulations range from earth science to biology. Through these interactive simulations, children learn through exploration.
PhET: Free online physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and math simulations (colorado.edu)
4.) Project Noah Nature School: This is a new way to bring wildlife and nature into the classroom. With Project Noah, educators can find visual nature lessons, visual field trips to places like the Amazon rainforest, and interactive challenges for students to work together and solve.
5.) STEM Activities: STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There are many STEM lessons that educators can use with technology in the classroom. For example, students can build a volcano to simulate volcanic eruption. Students can use digital tools to journal their process and results. This is only one of many simulation lessons through STEM activities.
STEM Activities for Simulation
-Aldona Ploplys
6.) Oculus-https://www.oculus.com/experiences/go/section/161391067688077/#/?_k=y18cij it is the latest in gaming technology. One reason for its popularity is that it is a virtual reality (VR) it gives numerous educational options for field trips and experiences. (Tracie Roberson)
7.) National Geographic Virtual Reality-using the oculus as the platform, students are able to be reporters and visit locations like Machu Piccchu. In other words, students are more than mere observers. https://youtu.be/lgpCrgo9pc0 (Tracie Roberson)
8.) Minecraft (Education)-in addition to creating cities, students are able to explore the Minecraft Educational series. The following is a brief description of the platform: https://youtu.be/AZ7AcvbebKo. This Ted Talk is also informative https://youtu.be/cdVLFDfRZUI. Although it is an 11 minute video the presenter explains in depth the advantages of Minecraft. One benefit being that the game celebrates construction rather than destruction. Celebrating construction means we are celebrating critical thinking and analytics. Skills used in science and math. (Tracie Roberson)
9.) Driving simulation-An interesting driver’s education simulation is one produced by Ford https://drivingskillsforlife.com/training/games. Of course, this is more appropriate for high school students when taking a driver’s education course. (Tracie Roberson)
10.) Fire drill-a low budget simulation that is performed regularly in schools. Fire drills are practices on what to do should a real fire occur. Teachers and students learn where to go so everyone can be accounted for and how to exit the building properly. The following is a video that can be showed to young kids https://youtu.be/i6xBd8CTNzc (Tracie Roberson)
11.) How Does Your Garden Grow - This is an education virtual reality game that allows students to practice designing and investigation using differences soil and light for two different plant types. This can be used in as a science project in the classroom. https://blog.discoveryeducation.com/category/innovative-teaching-ideas/ (Courtney R. Peterson)
12.) PC Game Stimulator - This is an educational virtual reality game that allow students to diagnosis and fix computer issues. This can be used as an introduction to a career path in computer technology. https://youtu.be/2FcKhl1W9r0
(Courtney R. Peterson)
13.) VR Documentary Film - The films depicts historical moments in history and allows the students to become a part of the real-life drama. https://youtu.be/bHEojf9k_KU.
(Courtney R. Peterson)
14.) Flying a Plane - This flight stimulation allow students to experience flying a plane. This can be used as an introduction to career path in becoming a pilot. https://youtu.be/d1RfVHK3Vt8 (Courtney R. Peterson)
15.) Active Shooter Drills - This is a routine drill conducted my the school system or law enforcement agencies to show students and staff what to do should a active shooter comes into the school. https://youtu.be/ska0nG8U_Jc (Courtney R. Peterson)
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