Guidelines for Using Simulations in the Classroom

This article does a good job giving an overview of what the potential of simulations in the classrom is as well as what the limitations are as well. Teachers will appreciate specific exampl... See More

This article does a good job giving an overview of what the potential of simulations in the classrom is as well as what the limitations are as well. Teachers will appreciate specific examples of simulations they can use with students as well the instructional implications and best practices when using simulations in the classroom.

Using simulations in the classroom

I agree with the authors that computer simulations can be a great aid in the enhancement of learning. The authors showed several effective methods for using simulations in a classroom to re... See More

I agree with the authors that computer simulations can be a great aid in the enhancement of learning. The authors showed several effective methods for using simulations in a classroom to reinforce students' understanding of a concept before a hands-on lab was done. My favorite suggestion was the use of simulations as an assessment tool. The guidelines given in the article to help educators in choosing quality simulations are ones I feel my department should adopt.

Simulations in the Science Classroom

Computer simulations provide us with an opportunity to introduce our students to Science we could never do in our classrooms. While there was quite a few useful websites listed, we would h... See More

Computer simulations provide us with an opportunity to introduce our students to Science we could never do in our classrooms. While there was quite a few useful websites listed, we would have liked to see a more extensive list of quality websites listed that provided quality instruction, either free or inexpensive. As a Professional Learning Community, PLC, we used the chapter to come to the agreement, if an interactive simulation is used, it must be used to enhance student understanding. If the simulation does not extend what we were doing in the class, or help the kids experience something they would not otherwise do, then the simulation should not be used. This chapter gave us a place to begin to analyze our practice and make decisions on how we use technology, specifically websites and simulations when supplementing our curriculum.