1. Simulations
J. Aaron Bolaños P.
6076-12-2497

2. Definition
A simulation is a representation of an
event or incident. It contains
simulated elements.
It is a model made by a computer of a
real or an imaginary system. It shows
how effectively works.
Provides the opportunity to manipulate
information that affects the
experience.

3. Simulations Categories
o Physical Simulations: These offer the
opportunity to manipulate objects
represented in a screen.
o Process Simulations: These are based on
experimentation with genetic rules, for
example.
o Situational Simulations: These are from
students’ situations to solve.
o Procedural Simulations: These show the
appropiate sequence to perform a process.

4. Characteristics of Simulations
 Vision of Knowledge: At the time it is
developed a simulation, the teacher
changes his way to provide
information to students.
 An Authentic Problem: Simulations
are based of problems or real-life
situations.
 A context or Setting: All kind of
simulations are based on an imaginary
context. And this imaginary scenario it
is represented in a series of graphics.

5.  Variables: The teacher defines the
various the different scenarios or
steps that students will manipulate.
 Rules of Interaction: These are
directed by the interaction of the game
and learning process.

6. Source of Simulation
Eductional Software Publishers
Commercial Software Publishers
On-Line Simulations

7. Advantages Associated to
Computer Simulations
 Student involvement
 Low cost
 Safety
 Better transfer
 Reduced threat and anxiety
 Encouragement of socialization and
collaboration
 Adjustments to realism to maximum
learning
 Making the impossible, possible

8. Limitations Associated with
Computer Simulations
 Time demands
 More threat and anxiety
 Adoption of the material but not the
concept.
 Deciding when to intervene directly is
difficult.
 Objectives mismatch
 Competitive focus

9. Teaching with Simulations
 Presentation: Simulation require a
careful and detailed background
preparation of students.
 Debriefing: Teacher must provide to
students a series of questions that
must be develop in the simulation.
 Group Work: Teaching with
simulations enhances collaboration
into the members of a group.

10. Conclusions
 Simulations are a representative form
of learning through technology.
 Simulaltions provide a collaborative
learning between the students.
 At the time the teacher is presenting a
topic with simulations, it requires a
previous preparation.