Modelling Tools, Simulations
What are they?
The term simulations can be applied to a wide range of programmes. At one end of the spectrum are what most people would term games which are loosely based on real-world situations such as Civilisation, Sim City, some driving games and many of the games based on combat situations. At the other end of the spectrum are the scientific simulations which are designed to deliver accurate data or visuals based on complex models, such as a simulation of population growth or bird flocking patterns. Recently the term ‘serious games’ has come into use to describe highly polished simulations which teach a range of skills. These are mainly in the military, medical and disaster management fields. Any scenario which is very dangerous and very expensive to re-enact becomes a good candidate for an immersive simulation.
How can I use them with my students?
Simulations give students the chance to experiment, test hypothesis, refine techniques and receive relevant feedback. They are also an opportunity to work in scenarios which would be hard or impossible to engage with in real life, e.g. building a town, driving a rally car or controlling an eco system. Depending on the specifics of the simulation it can be fruitful to demonstrate a path/scenario on a single computer or console in from of a class/cohort. This can generate debate and critical thinking. It’s interesting to discuss how the simulation matches or deviates from the scenario it is representing. If you have access to a computer suite or remote students then it would be possible to run multiple version of a simulation with a whole class. In this situation it might be worth setting different students a range tasks or experiments to perform and then draw them together at the end of the session. Some online experiments or simulations can connect the students to a massive pool of data being generated by people around the world. In most cases the simulation will need to be ‘bookended’ with teaching, providing a proper context, focus and review around the simulation. It is important that the students see the simulation as one of many tools for investigating a specific scenario.
Examples
Sim City: Build a city and watch it prosper or decline. Parameters include types of building, transport infrastructure, power(electricity), taxes and leisure activities. This is useful for teaching how cities work at a basic level but is also a good way of teaching how different factors interact in complex ways.
The Sims: Control characters as they make choices about their life including who they associate with, what job they do and how their house looks. This is a culturally prejudiced simulation which makes it an excellent tool to foster debate around culture, society material culture and materialism.
America’s Army: A gamey simulation of combat situations. This has been used to recruit and train soldiers in America. It’s not an accurate depiction of a war situation but it could be a good foundation for discussion on the topic.
The Modelling4All project has continued the work of the Construct2Learn project in the D4L Programme and offers various modeling and community tools.
Net Logo has a range of more scientific simulations which run on the free Net Logo software. Some good examples include:
- http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/ClimateChange
- http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/AIDS
- http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/WolfSheepPredation
- http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/models/Termites
Where can I get one?
- Console/game based simulations can be bought on the high street as can the PC based games.
- It’s always worth searching the web for a particular type of simulation. Many are free and some can be downloaded for a small fee.
