Simulations and games are useful implementations in teaching
because they promote students’ conceptual understanding, science process skills
and motivations based on the researches described in the book. Using
simulations and games is an interest boost during regular teaching.
Simulations and games are also good implementations of Universal
Design for Learning.
Students can explore the games or simulations based on their own
learning pace and try multiple times. Students with learning disabilities or language
issues can gain cognitive understanding straight from animations rather than
profound words. Research found out those students with lesser prior knowledge
made more progress than students with more prior knowledge. There are differences
of students’ progress from simulations and games based on different gender,
race, and English language ability.
Simulations and games are time-consuming to make. Therefore, only
important concepts and ideas are selected and developed among a lot of other topics,
which engages students to think deeply about certain important concepts.
I love the point that you made about the animations may help students with learning disabilities and students with language barriers! Great point. Games and simulations are another example of a tool that can specifically can help these students, but the benefits will extend to all your students.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like how you pointed out that we have to be selective about what we use simulations and gaming for in regards to the time of constructing these activities. It is also important that we keep in mind that some things may be better to experience live rather than virtually.