Simulations and Games in Education

An article in The Australian (7 Oct 09) discusses the uses of simulations in education. In "Are we learning or is it fun and games" Enthusiasts say that simulations "are a powerful teaching tool when used in conjunction with case studies" but not everyone agrees.

Background on Games and Simulations

"A simulation is a model of events, items or processes that do or could exist"1
'A game is a goal-directed activity that often has a competitive nature and works within a framework of accepted rules" 2.
Traditional models of learning often "emphasize an objective and knowable perspective on reality resulting in a focus on building capacity to recall internalized knowledge"3. In todays world of rapid changing technology and easy access to vast amounts of information this traditional model may not provide students with the critical thinking skills they need to operate in todays ever changing work environment.
"Educational simulations are one of the technological approaches available to education to facilitate the building of skills such as critical thinking.
Traditionally, simulations are something that bridges the gap between the typical classroom setting and the real world where actual practice occurs. They have been used to assist in the capacity for students to understand and use information to solve problems that are actually relevant to a real context"4.
1-4 from State of the Field Review, Simulation in Education Final Report
May 12, 2006 Michael Magee Alberta Online Learning Consortium Calgary AB

Resources for Games and Simulations in Education

State of the Field Review, Simulation in Education Final Report
May 12, 2006 Michael Magee Alberta Online Learning Consortium Calgary AB
This report reviews the literature available on Simulations and Games in Education. It discusses issues around the instructional design involved as well as the educational issues of teacher and learner belief systems and the role of assessment.

Educational simulations
The purpose of this web site is to promote the development of education via simulation. A list of online simulation resources categorised by curriculum area.


How Online Simulations Work in the Classroom
Edutopia
Simulations expert Christopher Walters provides the following thoughts on virtual simulations for classroom use.

Resources held by TLRU
Good video games + good learning : collected essays on video games, learning, and literacy, Gee, James Paul. 2007
Playing to learn : video games in the classroom, Hutchison, David, 1968- 2007
What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy, Gee, James Paul. 2003