The good news is that instructional simulations can be very effective in stimulating student understanding. The bad news is that many simulations require intensive pre-simulation lesson preparation. Lesson preparation varies with the type and complexity of the simulation. However, most expert users argue that instructional simulation work best when:

  • Instructors have a clear written statement in the course syllabus about the goals of the simulation and an explanation of how the simulation is tied to the course goals.
  • Instructors do a trial run of the simulation before assigning the simulation to students, when possible.
  • Instructors make sure that university laboratory facilities support the simulation when laboratory facilities are needed.
  • Instructors integrate instructional simulations with other pedagogies such as聽Cooperative Learning聽or聽Interactive Lecture Demonstration.

Teach with Simulations

student with virtual reality goggles on

Experiments and Simulations

Instructional simulations have the potential to engage students in "deep learning" that empowers understanding as opposed to "surface learning" that requires only memorization.Read more 禄
two students working on a computer simulation

Simulations Design Process

Research that examines the use of simulations on student outcomes suggests that even 'well-designed' simulations are unlikely to be effective if the interaction with the student isn't carefully structured. Consequently, how simulations are used is of great importance.Read more 禄
boy using simulation goggles

Learning with Computer Simulations

Computer simulations can provide students with the opportunity to observe, engage with, and explore processes, such as geologic processes, that are beyond the scope of simple observation or study.Read more 禄