Reconsidering simulations in science education at a distance: features of effective use

This paper proposes a reconsideration of use of computer simulations in science education. We discuss three studies of the use of science simulations for undergraduate distance learning students. The first one, The Driven Pendulum simulation is a computer-based experiment on the behaviour of a pendulum. The second simulation, Evolve is concerned with natural selection in a hypothetical species of a flowering plant. The third simulation, The Double Slit Experiment deals with electron diffraction and students are provided with an experimental setup to investigate electron diffraction for double and single slit arrangements. We evaluated each simulation, with 30 students each for The Driven Pendulum and Evolve simulations and about 100 students for The Double Slit Experiment. From these evaluations we have developed a set of the features for the effective use of simulations in distance learning. The features include student support, multiple representations and tailorability.

[1]  R. Gunstone,et al.  Conceptual Change in Science through Collaborative Learning at the Computer. , 1997 .

[2]  S. Hennessy.  Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning of School Science: a Situated Perspective on Pedagogical Issues in Research , 2006 .

[3]  T. Andre,et al.  Using computer simulations to enhance conceptual change: the roles of constructivist instruction and student epistemological beliefs , 1996 .

[4]  J. Huppert,et al.  Computer simulations in the high school: Students' cognitive stages, science process skills and academic achievement in microbiology , 2002 .

[5]  Thomas Andre,et al.  Use of a Microcomputer Simulation and Conceptual Change Text to Overcome Student Preconceptions about Electric Circuits. , 1992 .

[6]  Athanassios Jimoyiannis,et al.  Computer simulations in physics teaching and learning: a case study on students' understanding of trajectory motion , 2001, Comput. Educ..

[7]  P. Soderberg,et al.  An examination of problem-based teaching and learning in population genetics and evolution using EVOLVE, a computer simulation , 2003 .

[8]  Ton de Jong,et al.  SMISLE : system for multimedia integrated simulation learning environments , 1993 .

[9]  Jerry Wellington.  Using ICT in teaching and learning science , 2004 .

[10]  P. Scott,et al.  Constructing Scientific Knowledge in the Classroom , 1994 .

[11]  A. McFarlane,et al.  The Role of ICT in Science Education , 2002 .

[12]  Alfred Bork,et al.  Multimedia in Learning , 2001 .

[13]  Denise Whitelock,et al.  Challenging models of elastic collisions with a computer simulation , 1993 .

[14]  Joseph P. Akpan,et al.  Issues Associated with Inserting Computer Simulations into Biology Instruction: A Review of the Literature , 2001 .

[15]  Jim Garrison,et al.  Realism, Deweyan Pragmatism, and Educational Research , 1994 .

[16]  Kathryn F. Cochran.  The content of science: a constructivist approach to its teaching and learning , 1997 .

[17]  Alexander Repenning,et al.  Collaborative use & design of interactive simulations , 1999, CSCL.

[18]  Ton de Jong,et al.  Scientific Discovery Learning with Computer Simulations of Conceptual Domains , 1998 .

[19]  Noel Enyedy,et al.  Inquiry in Interaction: How Local Adaptations of Curricula Shape Classroom Communities , 2004 .

[20]  C. O'Malley,et al.  Design of a computer‐augmented curriculum for mechanics , 1995 .

[21]  Clifford Omodele Fyle.  Guidelines for Structuring Simulations to Facilitate the Removal of Misconceptions in Learning , 2003 .

[22]  Peter J. Fensham,et al.  The Content Of Science: A Constructive Approach To Its Teaching And Learning , 1994 .

[23]  Adrian Furnham,et al.  Lay Understanding of Science: Young People and Adults' Ideas of Scientific Concepts , 1992 .

[24]  Peter W. Hewson,et al.  Effect of instruction using microcomputer simulations and conceptual change strategies on science learning , 1986 .

[25]  Eileen Scanlon,et al.  Simulating chaos: An evaluation of the driven pendulum experiment , 1997 .

[26]  Diana Laurillard,et al.  Rethinking University Teaching: A Framework for the Effective Use of Educational Technology , 1993 .

[27]  Tomi Jaakkola,et al.  Facilitating Students' Understanding of Simple DC Circuits - Combining Simulation and Laboratory Work Together , 2004 .