screencapture - nursery live

Simulations

Simulated models which allow learners to experience and control complex ideas and concepts with a range of variables

Samples

NurseryLive!

NurseryLive! is a time-based simulation of the daily operations of a wholesale production nursery.

As in most nursery environments plants will grow, sicken, die or be sold depending on a combination of factors including weather, the environment and your intervention. The goal is simple: choose a season, pick an order and grow the plants to fill it! The simulation environment encourages experimentation with different interventions and effective task prioritisation to achieve the largest yield.
Source NurseryLive!, developed by Holmesglen TAFE
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/products/nursery.htm
Use

RUHHRT303A - Maintain nursery plants
RUHHRT317A - Control pests and diseases
RUHHRT353A - Select chemicals and biological agents

Delivery This simulation can be used in conjunction with other online resources such as the ANTA Horticulture Toolboxes
Customisation This is a complex simulation and is not designed to be modified.
Availability Details of how to install this simulation are available on 2005 Australian Flexible Learning Framework site listed above.

Wildfire simulator

NOVA Online has developed its own version of a fire-growth computer simulation. Its purpose is to show how conditions such as wind speed and direction can affect a fire's spread.

Source Nova Online
URL http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fire/simulation.html
Use science students, emergency services students
Delivery NA
Customisation NA
Availability  

Lightbox animation studio

This toolbox is designed to be one big simulation of a workplace placement at an animation studio. The trainee moves through a variety of tasks with support and mentoring from a variety of staff with a range of skills in digital photography, multimedia and webpage development.

Source Animation Toolbox 405
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series4/405/lightbox.htm
Use Multimedia Learners
Delivery Can be delivered using a CD or loaded into a Learning Management System such as Moodle, Janisons or Blackboard.
Customisation The material in this Toolbox has been developed to allow for customisation.
Availability Available for preview and download from the Toolbox Learning Object Repository.

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Why include simulations?

Online simulations are useful in that they:

  • assist in the development of big ideas and concepts
  • allow learners to make decisions in a safe environment, before exposing them to potentially risky or dangerous sitiuations
  • allow access to spaces, time frames and variables which are not easily accessed by all learners in real time.

Simulations are likely to deal with a number of competencies and tasks in an integrated way. They require learners to bring together a range of skills and knowledge in a problem-solving activity.

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Integrating simulations

You can use simulations within a range of online and classroom experiences. You can use simulations to present content and provide examples, initiate discussions or create an exploratory learning experience. Simulations can also be used as a starting point for investigation and research in the topic area.

Design steps

Building a simulation is a complex and lengthy process and typically involves a whole design team. There are a number of aspects to building simulations. They involve:

  • having a clear understanding of what it is that you would like students to learn
  • knowing what you would like your learners to experience
  • coming up with a design metaphor
  • considering the types of input that will be required from learners (matching exercises, multiple choice, turn based etc)
  • creating the calculations which work in the background to process the learner input
  • developing the feedback that will be given to learners
  • developing multimedia, audi and video clips which will enhance the experience.

Assessment

Sophisticated simulations allow for assessment. Learners are required to register and complete within a specified time. This could form part of an assessable task. More often simulations are used to form pasrt of a self assessment process for learners, allowing them to practice applying skills and knowledge to a complex situation.

Technical notes

Implementing simulations may involve placing files on a server or using a CD. Others may be web based and only require Shockwave or Flash player. There are a variety of software packages available specifically to develop simulations. See the Resources section.

Skills

Designing and developing simulations is a complex task and is generally not within the scope of the average teacher. If you are lucky you may be able to access a simulation that has been designed for your subject area. Try LORN for learning objects that include simulations.

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See also

From the Framework

More resources from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

Tools and resources

Development tools for simulations include:

Social bookmark for this strategy

http://del.icio.us/designelearn/simulations

Last modified: 15/9/08