Principles for the Design and Use of Simulations in Science Learning as Exemplified by a Prototype Microworld

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

JACKSON, D.F., KIM, T.K., Yarger, D.N. & Boysen, P.J. (2000). Principles for the Design and Use of Simulations in Science Learning as Exemplified by a Prototype Microworld. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 19(3), 237-252. Charlottesville, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/8071.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Journal Information

Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching
ISSN 0731-9258
Volume 19, Issue 3, 2000
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Charlottesville, VA

More Information on JCMST

Authors

DAVID F. JACKSON, TAE-KOON KIM, University of Georgia, United States; Douglas N. Yarger, Peter J. Boysen, Iowa State University, United States

Abstract

This article attempts to contribute to the clarification of princi-ples for the design and use of simulation software in science learning by combining a reflective process of identification of im-portant questions with empirical evidence from limited use of a "microworld" application designed and developed by the first author. We first outline a series of issues, growing out of a criti-cal review of the literature, which we believe remain unresolved or even unaddressed by many researchers, software developers, teachers, and teacher educators in the field of science education. The most salient of these are: (a) the occasional great importance of fine details of the user interface to the practical value of edu-cational software; (b) the distinction between abstract, usually quantitative, computer modeling as a specific means versus a general end of science instruction; (c) the importance of attention to levels of understanding in the curriculum context of simulation use; and (d) approaches to conceptual enhancement of simulation software design, including, but not limited to, the notions of mul-tiple representations and scaffolding and fading.

Keywords

• Teachers
• Computer Sciences
• Sciences
• Instructional Design
• Software

Also Read

• The Future of Educational Computing Research:The Case of Computer Programming
• Educational Designing with MicroWorlds
• Supporting E-Learning with Technologies for Electronic Documents
• Simulation Development by Students: An Alternative Cross-Thematic Didactical Approach
• Design And Evaluation of SimBuilder
• Developmentally Appropriate LOGO Computer Programming with Young Children
• Teaching Mathematics with Logo and Geometer’s Sketchpad
• The Squares Family: A Game and Story based Microworld for Understanding Arithmetic Concepts designed to attract girls.
• Practical Teacher Training Through Implementation of Capacity Building Internet Projects
• Usage Analysis in Learning Systems

Tags