Source: Image of plant, Public Domain, http://mrg.bz/9YJ1XR
Hi, I'm Ashley Sweat. In today's lesson, we will talk about how gamification involves simulation, giving students the ability to interact with objects they otherwise would not be able to. What will you learn today? We will specifically talk about what is simulation, and how simulation and a game are different. They are similar, but different in some ways. Lastly, we will consider why simulations are good to use in the classroom, and how they enhance the learning experience.
What is a simulation? A simulation is an interactive game that allows students to experience with the real world. This reminds me of when I use Discovery Education in my classroom, the Science Edition. The simulation allows students to do a plant experiment, allowing them to control how much sunlight and water to give to each plant. In the end, the students were able to see how the sunlight and water affected the growth of each plant. This was so helpful in teaching plant needs, because it was very accessible. And the students could see right away how certain factors played a huge role in the growth of the plant.
How is simulation in a game different? Games are usually animated and are not representations of real-life. Take for example, the classic Super Mario. Being on a quest, jumping from brick to brick is not a real-life example, though it is very fun.
Now, on the other hand, a simulation does involve real-life events. In the driver's ed class that I took in high school, there was a driving simulation that allowed me to practice driving on a busy highway without even getting in a car. Nonetheless, games and in addition to simulations both have the power to reinforce academic skills.
Why are simulations good to use in the classroom? Where do I begin? Simulations are excellent tools for the classroom for so many reasons. They allow students to have interactions with things in the real world that they might not be able to otherwise.
For example, funding is not always available, and students can't always go everywhere on the bus to be able to experience certain things. Simulations make that possible. Simulations also engage students by putting the routine paper and pencil activities to the side, allowing students to manipulate objects and the outcomes.
Students also get immediate results with simulation. Like the plant experiment that I mentioned earlier, students were able to see right away what their manipulations did to the plant. This allows students to make immediate changes as well and think critically to alter results. Digitally, it gives students a hands-on experience and gives a perspective on how professionals in that particular field solve problems. It also helps learners apply what they have learned in the classroom.
What did you learn today? We learned that simulation involves real-life events that students can interact with and apply their learning. We also discussed that even though a simulation and games are similar, they're also different in that games are usually animated and not based on real-life. Whereas simulations help students get acquainted with the real world by manipulating real world objects.
Lastly, we learned a number of reasons why simulations are good in the classroom. Simulations are accessible. They engage students. And they allow students to apply what they've learned to real world events.
Now, think about how you can apply simulation to your classroom. What skills can you incorporate simulation? What type of technology would you need to successfully use simulation in your classroom?
As you reflect on how this new information can be applied, you may want to explore the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. This is where you'll find links to resources chosen to help you deepen your learning and explore ways to apply your newly acquired skill set.
Overview
(00:00 - 00:16) Introduction
(00:17 - 00:35) What will you learn today?
(00:36 - 01:17) What is simulation?
(01:18 - 01:57) How is simulation and a game different?
(01:58 - 03:07) Why are simulations good to use in the classroom?
(03:08 - 03:48) What did you learn today?
(03:49 - 04:21) Reflection
Farming in the Gilded Age: A Simulation
This video demonstrates how to use simulation in the classroom. In this video, you will see how simulations can help students learn important historical concepts.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/using-simulation-in-the-classroom
Jeremiah McCall on Using Simulation Games in the History Classroom
This blog post is a great example of simulation in action. Scroll down to see a list of potential tools for simulation in your classroom and a brief description of each.
http://teachinghistory.org/nhec-blog/25117
Other Reference
Wedig, T. (2010). Getting the most from classroom simulations: Strategies for maximizing learning outcomes. PS, Political Science and Politics, July, 547-555.