Simulations are computer models that represent real or imaginary systems. They come in different categories like physical, process, situational, and procedural simulations. Simulations provide an interactive learning experience for students and allow them to manipulate variables. They have advantages like student involvement, safety, and practice without real-world risks. However, simulations also have limitations such as time demands and difficulty intervening directly. Effective use of simulations requires careful preparation, debriefing with students, and encouraging group work.

1. Simulations
J. Aaron Bolaños P.
6076-12-2497

2. Definition
A simulation is a representation of an
event or incident. It contains
simulated elements.
It is a model made by a computer of a
real or an imaginary system. It shows
how effectively works.
Provides the opportunity to manipulate
information that affects the
experience.

3. Simulations Categories
o Physical Simulations: These offer the
opportunity to manipulate objects
represented in a screen.
o Process Simulations: These are based on
experimentation with genetic rules, for
example.
o Situational Simulations: These are from
students’ situations to solve.
o Procedural Simulations: These show the
appropiate sequence to perform a process.

4. Characteristics of Simulations
 Vision of Knowledge: At the time it is
developed a simulation, the teacher
changes his way to provide
information to students.
 An Authentic Problem: Simulations
are based of problems or real-life
situations.
 A context or Setting: All kind of
simulations are based on an imaginary
context. And this imaginary scenario it
is represented in a series of graphics.

5.  Variables: The teacher defines the
various the different scenarios or
steps that students will manipulate.
 Rules of Interaction: These are
directed by the interaction of the game
and learning process.

6. Source of Simulation
Eductional Software Publishers
Commercial Software Publishers
On-Line Simulations

7. Advantages Associated to
Computer Simulations
 Student involvement
 Low cost
 Safety
 Better transfer
 Reduced threat and anxiety
 Encouragement of socialization and
collaboration
 Adjustments to realism to maximum
learning
 Making the impossible, possible

8. Limitations Associated with
Computer Simulations
 Time demands
 More threat and anxiety
 Adoption of the material but not the
concept.
 Deciding when to intervene directly is
difficult.
 Objectives mismatch
 Competitive focus

9. Teaching with Simulations
 Presentation: Simulation require a
careful and detailed background
preparation of students.
 Debriefing: Teacher must provide to
students a series of questions that
must be develop in the simulation.
 Group Work: Teaching with
simulations enhances collaboration
into the members of a group.

10. Conclusions
 Simulations are a representative form
of learning through technology.
 Simulaltions provide a collaborative
learning between the students.
 At the time the teacher is presenting a
topic with simulations, it requires a
previous preparation.