1. Shawna C.
ED 480

2. What are simulations?
 Simulation is popularly defined as partial
representation of reality which selects
crucial characteristics of a real situation
and makes a replica of them, within an
environment or place which is basically
free of risk. (Saunders & Powell, 1998)

3. Other definitions of Simulations
 Gaming/Simulations as an activity that
works, fully or partially, on the basis of
the players’ decisions.
 The simulation as an operational model
which involves abstraction, and the
representation of a much larger system.
(Enciso)

4. 3 essential components when
describing gaming/simulations
according to Enciso
1. a basic operating model
2. human activity
3. a scale representation of reality. In
contrast to pure games, which have no
representation, and pure simulation, which
had no human activity in the operating
model.

5. Why games and
simulations?
 Provides motivation and interest to learn
 Can make mistakes without major risks
 Provides practice and training in real-life
situations

6. Provides motivation and interest to
learn
 Students are drawn towards games and
animations to test their skills through the
use of technology
 Games and simulations are easily
adaptable and can be modified to meet
the needs of learners

7. Can make mistakes without major
risks
 Simulations provide the opportunity to
put skills to the test without risks
 Examples:
○ brain surgery through simulation
○ online educational games that use bows and
arrows

8. Provides practice and training in
real-life situations
 Military uses simulations to prepare for
deployment
 Officers-training use computer
simulations to practice using firearms in
a high risk situation
 Such as in hostage situations

9. What should classroom teachers
look for in games and simulations?
 content
 quality
 usability
 age-appropriateness of the game

10. How should a classroom teacher use
games and simulations in the
classroom?
 When students have no interest in a particular
concept or topic
 When certain students need extra practice or
extended activities on a topic or concept

11. Watch this 10 minute video on
gaming and simulations for learning
 http://www.edutopia.org/computer-
simulations-virtual-learning-video

12. Resources
 http://www.traininggames.com/pdf/en/Si
mulationGamesaLearningTool.pdf
 http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI
3004.pdf