The document discusses the use of computer simulations and gaming to enhance learning. It defines computer simulations as representing real-world processes through computer programs. Simulations allow people to experience things virtually without being physically present. Interactive games both entertain and teach lessons or subjects through goals, feedback, challenges, and story elements. They can assess learning and develop skills. Examples of educational simulations and games are provided, with the conclusion that they can engage students by allowing them to explore concepts they cannot in real life at progressively increasing levels of difficulty.

1. Use of Computer Simulations
and Gaming to Enhance
Learning
ED480 Educational Technology
John Jenkins
Alvin Borja
Northern Marianas College - School of Education – SPRING 2012

2. Computer Simulation
• The technique of representing the
real world by a computer program;
"a simulation should imitate the
internal processes and not merely
the results of the thing being
simulated“
• Simulation allows people to
experience something without
actually being there physically.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/computer+simulation

3. http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new

4. Interactive Games
• Activities that entertain and teaches
the player a lesson or subject.
• Games can be used to teach a concept
and assess what is being learned.
• Also stimulate users and encourages
the development of social and
cognitive skills.

5. Interactive Games
• Games have six key structural elements
which strongly engage the play. These
elements are:
– Rules
– Goals and objectives
– Outcomes and feedback
– Conflict/competition/challenge/opposition
– Interaction
– Representation or story

6. Examples
www.coolmath.com

7. Conclusion
• Some games and simulations allow
students to explore and create materials
that they could not work directly with in
real life .
• Student become more engaged when they
face a challenge that they feel they can
meet. Students also benefit from computer
simulations and games that become
progressively more complex and difficult.

8. Reference:
• http://www.m-
learning.org/docs/The%20use%20of%20c
omputer%20and%20video%20games%20f
or%20learning.pdf
• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/comp
uter+simulation
• www.coolmath.com
• http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/
category/new