1. Dynamic Modeling Tools Spreadsheets

2. Definition Spreadsheet-Spreadsheets provide a way for students to process data and report results. The word spreadsheet has become almost synonymous with mathematics. Data is arranged on a grid, in rows and columns, and the program automatically calculates and re-calculates values. This promotes mathematics instruction because once students enter the data they must have a true understanding in order to use the correct computer command or formula to get the needed result. Data can easily be turned into a graphic which helps with visual learning.

3. In the classroom Basic- calculate percentages Data entry- numbers, words, equations Charts- graphical representations

4. In the classroom Using Automatic features: auto fill, auto sum, merge and center Advanced aspects: Using equations Using formulas

5. Practical Ideas for using Spreadsheets Travel budgets- track personal budgets while on a trip using Google Docs Journal issues-track a project’s timeline using color-coding so data may be easily interpreted

6. Tips for best practices Easy to use, so you can be more productive in using the model Stay focused on the issues Easy to understand, transparent design is key here Reliable, so that your model becomes the authoritative tool for calculating results

7. Links and More Excel Top Tips (http://www.exceltip.com/toptips.html) Excel in Education (http://www.education.com/reference/article/impact-spreadsheets-education/)

8. Expert Modeling Systems

9. What is an expert system? An expert system is a computer application that solves complicated problems that would otherwise require extensive human expertise. Expert systems also use human knowledge to solve problems that normally would require human intelligence. Expert systems use If- then statements to get results for the users.

10. History of Expert Systems Expert systems were introduced by researchers in the Stanford Heuristic Programming Project in 1980. Feigenbaum is considered the "father of expert systems"

11. Three Components of Expert Systems Knowledge base Inference engine User interface

12. Major areas that use Expert Systems Agriculture Education Environment Law manufacturing Medicine power systems

13. Expert Systems in Education They are used to help students study and gain more knowledge in different subjects. Most educational expert systems are internet based and can be a tutor for most students. The expert system can adjust the training for each particular student on the bases of his/her own pace of learning.

14. Examples of Expert Systems in Education System to help students identify different species of plants and animals. System to help quiz students for the SAT. System to help elementary students learn their letters and sounds. The help system on your computer to use different programs.

15. Resources http://www.generation5.org/content/2005/Expert_System.asp http://web.missouri.edu/jonassend/courses/mindtool/ExpertExamples.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expert_system

16. SYSTEMS MODELING COMPLEX LEARNING REQUIRES STUDENTS TO SOLVE COMPLEX AND SIMPLE PROBLEMS. SYSTEM MODELING DEVELOPS MENTAL REPRESENTATIONS TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS AND INCREASE LEARNING. BASICALLY A VISUAL MAP OF A DIFFICULT PROCESS OR PROBLEM

17. Software you can use for systems modeling• MODEL-IT- MAC USE ONLY• POWERSIM- PC USE ONLY• STELLA- MAC & PC USEBelow you'll find a listing of acceptable software you can use to create this type of Mindtool for this course. Please note that technical support is not available for these software packages. If you have questions or problems, you should consult resources such as the software's documentation and/or on-line tutorials and help sites.In addition, you may wish to utilize our course's Technical Issues forum for this Mindtool. There you can ask questions of the instructor and other class members...someone may be able to help you out!Copyright ©2001, University of Missouri-Columbia

19. Type of resource: Web site

20. Source: http://www.cogitomedia.com/

21. Platform: Mac

23. Source: http://www.powersim.com/

24. Platform: PC

26. Type of resource: Web site

27. Source: http://www.hps-inc.com/products/stella/stella.html

28. Platform: Both Mac and PC

30. What are Virtual Worlds? A virtual world is a genre of online community that often takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment, through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects

31. How do they work? The computer accesses a computer-simulated world and presents perceptual stimuli to the user, who in turn can manipulate elements of the modeled world and thus experiences telepresence to a certain degree.[5] Such modeled worlds may appear similar to the real world or instead depict fantasy worlds. The model world may simulate rules based on the real world or some hybrid fantasy world. Example rules are gravity, topography, locomotion, real-time actions, and communication. Communication between users has ranged from text, graphical icons, visual gesture, sound, and rarely, forms using touch, voice command, and balance senses.

32. Some Examples Systems that have been designed for a social application include: Active Worlds Twinity Kaneva Second Life Smallworlds Onverse

33. More Examples The worlds listed on this page offer free ongoing basic access. Active WorldsCoke StudiosDreamvilleDubitHabbo HotelMokitownMooveMuseThe PalacePlaydo

34. More free worlds Second LifeSora CityThereTowerChatTravelerVirtual IbizaVirtual Magic KingdomVoodoo Chatwhyrobbierocks.comWhyvilleWorlds.comYohoho! Puzzle Pirates

35. Even More Examples… http://www.meez.com/ Create your own world at http://www.woozworld.com/partner/Google/?siteid=adwordsus Free virtual pet creation at http://www.superpokepets.com/spp/create?banner_ab_side=A&cr=googcontent_superpokepets&ab_side=F

36. Virtual classrooms at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/tgt/gg_con_con/training_all_words;jsessionid=abcwilOluV8_V5nkuLn6s?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com&Target=m/g2t/gototraining-free-trial-lp.tmpl Create your own virtual world at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/tgt/gg_con_con/training_all_words;jsessionid=abcwilOluV8_V5nkuLn6s?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com&Target=m/g2t/gototraining-free-trial-lp.tmpl

37. Turn yourself into a superhero at http://www.myownsuperhero.com/html/hero2.html?spu=true&partner=Z9xdm003 Virtual worlds for kids at http://www.jumpstart.com/?pid=googpd&cid=content&gclid=CJfosfaRu6cCFRJY2godc0jLBg http://www.gogofrog.com/ http://3b.net/browser/newhome.html

38. Mac friendly virtual worlds Coke StudiosDubitHabbo HotelThe ManorMokitownThe PalacePlaydoSecond LifeTowerChatVirtual IbizaVirtual Magic KingdomVZones (newHorizone & Dreamscape)whyrobbierocks.comWhyvilleYohoho! Puzzle Pirates

39. Use in Education Twining, Peter(2010) 'Virtual Worlds and Education', Educational Research, 52: 2, 117 — 122

40. 3-D virtual worlds can offer an incomparable environment for creating spaces where teachers and learners, who are separated by distance, can engage in social activity of Learning Communication spaces Simulation of space (spatial) Experiential spaces (‘acting’ on the world)

41. Important Features the illusion of 3-D space avatars that serve as visual representations of users an interactive chat tool for users to communicate with one another.

42. Tips for Best Practices Develop a logical, clear connection between your virtual world space and your organization’s mission and goals. Identify and measure specific metrics over time to make sure your investments in virtual worlds are contributing to your organizational goals. Develop a virtual space that provides a visually pleasing, interesting, interactive user experience.

43. Develop a calendar of events to offer on-going interactive experiences to virtual world users. Make sure your virtual space is listed in search results & events are listed in event directories. Develop events with extended time periods to allow for maximum participation from the most users. Create interactive experiences that provide a range of activities for all skill levels. When appropriate, team up with popular and/or emerging professional talent within the virtual world community when creating events and spaces.

44. Create a companion webpage or website that provides background information, an event calendar, images and video for your virtual world activities. Give your primary avatar an email address and IM address so that there is a direct method of communicating outside of the virtual world space.

45. Resources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_worlds http://www.virtualworldsreview.com/info/macfriendly.shtml Hew, K., & Cheung, W. (2010). Use of three-dimensional (3-D) immersive virtual worlds in K-12 and higher education settings: A review of the research. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(1), 33-55. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00900.x http://www.amplifypublicaffairs.net/best/amplify_virtual_world_best_practices.pdf