ECI-511

Simulations

Description

The use of simulated activities in education is widely becoming recognized as an important tool in schools.  Teachers and students are now able to use simulation computer software to teach different subject matters.  Simulations are ?hands-on? so that students become participants, not just listener or observers.  Basically a simulation is an interactive computer program that replicates some real world object or process.  Simulations can also been seen as educational games-such as banking or playing the stock market. 

Key Findings:

Simulations are constantly used in science and math classes, but can also be used in other disciplines of study.  William Dwyer analyzes the usage and benefits of using science simulations.  His study proved that simulations can be used effectively in ?preinstructional and exploratory activities.?  The article stated it can be good tool to reinforce learned materials.  The teacher can verbally and visually give notes on the subject, but then let the students participate in a simulation.  The students are able to apply what they learned to the simulation---further helping the students memorize the information. 

The article found that overall performance levels increased through the usage of simulations.  This article focused a simulation called Exploring Nardoo-which simulated different ecosystems.  Teachers can now use this program to show the negative effect of pollution on different ecosystems.  Teacher constantly explain the importance of pollution, but it does not spike the student interest.  However, students will care, once they experience the simulation and really see the damages caused by pollution.  Students retain more information if they actually experience it or participate in it hand on.

Integration:

I definitely see the benefits of using simulations in the classroom.  Typically I require the children to write a skit and act it out in front of the class. However I can now take their love for computers and integrate simulation software within the lessons.  I currently teach a unit on investment options, which include information on the stock market.   The students have a hard time learning the concepts of the stock market.  I give them various examples on the board.  But they really do not understand it, until I introduce them to an online computer simulation of the stock market.

The students are given 10,000 dollars to invest in various stocks.  The computer game use real stock value and costs.  A competition begins between each student to see who has the most money.  The students will be able to experience the highs and lows of investing in stock.  The students will monitor their stock purchases for a two week period.  In the end, I will see who has the most money and invested wisely.  I will also grade each stock purchases?all students will be required to purchase at least four different stock options.  It is very important that the students document daily activates of their different stock.

The students will be required to turn in a stock portfolio on each of their stock purchases.  This way the students will research different companies and in real life one day invest in stock.

Posted at 08:25PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General  |  Comments[0]