Simulation in Education

Prepared by: Ali M. Ellafi (March 2003) Introduction:
Airlines around the globe have used simulation technology for years to train pilots and give them experience in dealing with dangerous and extreme conditions. Now, pilots and airlines aren't the only ones benefiting from simulation learning as a training device. These days computer simulation using for educational and business purposes as well as military uses. Therefore, in this paper I tried to give some answers of these questions: what is a simulation, why use simulation, the types of simulations, uses of simulations, and the advantage of the computer simulation.

What is a simulation?
There are many definitions of computer simulation. But to characterize simulation, it is useful to compare it with other fields such as computer graphics/animation and virtual reality (VR), since these fields have much in common with simulation.

Computer graphics is the computational study of light and its effect on geometric objects --- the focus on graphics is to produce meaningful rendered images of real world or hypothetical objects.

Animation is the use of computer graphics to generate a sequence of frames which, when passed before eyes very quickly, produce the illusion of continuous motion.

Virtual reality (VR) is primarily focused on impressive human-computer interaction.

A very short dfinition is that, “simulation is (Gogg & Mott, 1993) the use of a model to conduct experiments which convey an understanding of the behavior of the system modeled”. Think of simulation as the “engine" which drives the graphics and VR technologies. That is, by doing simulation (creating a model, executing the model, and analyzing the output) To simulate something physical, we will first need to create a mathematical model, which represents that physical object.

The use of simulations:
Simulation models have three major functions: Recreation, Decision Making/Problem solving, and Instruction.

Why Use Simulation?
Simulation has become a widely used tool in material handling. The primary purpose of simulation is to describe and analyze the behavior of a system, ask "what if" questions about a system, and aid in the design of real systems. We can all learn from our mistakes. However, it is cheaper and safer to learn from mistakes made with a simulated system than to make them for real. Simulation can reduce cost, reduce risk, and improve our understanding of the system under study It is a useful tool for virtual prototyping, analysis of complex systems and as a training device. Online simulations can be developed to teach soft-skills, processes and procedures on desktop computers to provide flexible training for large or small organizations. Using simulations, learners learn by doing, and it is increases the value of training.

Computer simulations in education:
Computer simulation for educational purposes is a part of what is called computer-assisted learning (CAL).
In the area of computer-assisted learning it is useful to make an operational distinction between simulation and modeling. It will be assumed that a simulation allows the student to control input parameters and to observe the output.
The model, usually in the form of a mathematical relationship, is set up within the computer program and the student can simulate the phenomena or process by controlling the input and observing the output. In modeling the student is able to control or change the model upon which the simulation is based (Min? 19xx?)
There are some benefits from using the computer simulations in education such as students seem to be less threatened and less worried about making mistakes when they are playing an educational simulation. Roberts (1976) since students are interacting with a computer instead of performing for the teacher or classmates, they seem more willing to experiment and try out different ways of dealing with the problems presented by the simulation. “Bringing real-world problems into the classroom and allowing the students the opportunities to practice making real-world decisions”. Receive feedback on the effect of their efforts, and then try something else. In the computer simulation the visual feedback is an important characteristic. Students who learn a skill in a Simulations often find it easier to transfer that skill to real world than they do when training consists of the traditional lecture/demonstration method

When should we use Simulation?
People use simulation whenever they meet complex problems that cannot be solved by other means. Rather than consider every possible variation of circumstances for such a problem.

Advantages of Simulation: