EDUCATIONAL MODELING, SIMULATIONS, & GAMES: PhET Interactive Simulations

Thursday, March 5, 2009

PhET Interactive Simulations

2 comments:

MWalvoord said...: This reminds me of a "game" I used to play at least once a week over lunch period (in the counselors office with a couple friends) in high school in the mid-1990s. In PhET, I was usually able to hit the middle of the target with the second try of each new scenario (wind resistance, new object, etc.). So, I wished it was more challenging. The most I got out of it (I think) were all the variables that affect projectile motion--along with "which way" they affect the motion.; March 8, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Victor said...: I tried the pH simulation. The interface is quite clear about what I can manipulate. In other words, all the variables (IVs and DVs) are clearly shown. However, it is not clear what a student should look for when "playing" the simulation. However, I see an instructional goal is posted. When I use the simulation with the instructional goal, I know what to do. Frankly, it is not something very interesting, but not too bad.

Alessi talked about different kind of fidelity. In this simulation, the fidelity of the model is not bad. When the solution is diluted, the color of the solution is also lighter. The fidelity of presentation is OK,except the H3O+ and OH- ions can be shown in the solution. however, this unreal presentation can help the novice understand the concept easier. So, this also demonstrate the relationship between fidelity and experience of learners where low fidelity for novice and high fidelity for expert.

One thing I learned and designing simulation tool is that goal of instruction is important. For example, if we want the students to learn about the concept of pH, low user actions and presentation fidelity can be good. However, if we want the learners to be a good lab technician, it is important to have simulation that mimic the use of equipment.

It is obvious that cost efficiency and safety issue will not be issues in simulation environment. For example, one of the solution that the simulation uses are vomit. It is not safe, and it is disgusting to "play" with vomit, but we can do it in simulation.

Frankly, when talking about motivation, we should compare with other medium such as textbook, lecture or real experiment. Compare with textbook, and lecture, I believe it provides better attention and relevance (from the ARCS model) to the learners. It probably provides a better feel of control than the real experiment since learners may not get the expected results because of mistaken use of equipment.; March 10, 2009 at 12:36 AM