The Use of Simulations in Education Essay -- Teaching Education Essays

The Use of Simulations in Education Abstract The purpose of my paper is to define simulations, discuss their value for educational purposes, and review some possible concerns regarding their use. Simulations Defined Simulations offer society the opportunity to play out strategic moves to see the outcome before actually committing oneself to a real-life plan. "They can, for instance, empower biologists to explore the growth of cells, network managers to analyze the flow of information, city planners to play through complex growth and pollution scenarios, school children to experience the fragility of food webs, and more" (Ioannidou and Repenning, 1999, p.1). Due to a desire to develop models that deal with highly, complex phenomena or issues, computer simulations were born. The basis for their creation was strongly linked with technological innovation. Increased access to computer simulation tools has therefore facilitated the exploration of complex issues, which were formerly beyond reach using the more traditional analytical methods (Windrum, 1999, p.1) Simulations have become a new way of communicating, much like e-mail only interactive. A simulation requires a computer with high resolution graphics, Internet access, and if using the web, interactive simulations can be accessed through web browsers (Ioannidous and Repenning, p.1). According to Ioannidou and Repenning, simulations are a powerful communication tool for exchanging complex ideas. "When packaged as Java applets, simulations are also a good way to convey these ideas everywhere and support distance learning" (p.1). One recent example of a simulation that we, as a class, had the opportunity to investigate was posted on the list s... ...quires more than just good software. For business and industry [as well as education], to take real advantage of this software, they have to show a real commitment to training and education" (Garnet, p. 3). References Chapman, Kenneth; Sorge, Christine. (1999). Can a simulation help achieve course objectives? An exploratory study investigating differences among instructional tools. Journal of Education for Business: Vol. 74 (pp. 225). Garnett, Jeremy. (1999). The last word on simulation. IIE Solutions: Vol. 31 (p. 45). Ioannidou, Andri; Repenning, Alexander. (1999). End-User programmable simulations. Dr. Dobbs Journal: Vol. 24 (p. 40). Lopez, Asbel. (1999). Pretending for real. UNESCO Courier: Vol. 52 (p. 14). Windrum, Paul. (1999). Simulation models of technological innovation. American Behavioral Scientist: Vol. 42 (p. 1531).